Here's how the Broncos' defensive depth chart shakes out before the draft

The Broncos defense needs a bit more depth in starting spot, but its projected starting 11 is already one in which the team can find confidence, freeing them up to draft for talent, rather than need.

DEFENSIVE ENDS

• First-teamers: Jurrell Casey, Shelby Harris
• Second-teamers: Dre’Mont Jones, DeMarcus Walker
• Third- and fourth-teamers: Jonathan Harris, Deyon Sizer, Joel Heath

Denver would have been fine starting the emerging Jones in the base package, but the ability to re-sign Shelby Harris allows the Broncos more guaranteed depth in their rotation. Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell have the flexibility to mix-and-match interior pass rushers in two-down-linemen sets, so they can utilize duos such as Casey-Jones, while using Jones to spell Casey in base packages when they want to keep the 10-year veteran fresh.

Injuries forced Jonathan Harris and Sizer into the lineup late last season as rotational pieces, but with the unit at full health, both will be in a fight to make the 53-man roster, as the Broncos usually carry six defensive linemen, with one of those among the game-day inactives.

This is a position the Broncos could rationalize targeting in the draft. Walker and Shelby Harris are in contract years, and Casey is effectively year-to-year given the lack of guarantees remaining in his contract.

NOSE TACKLE

• First-teamer: Mike Purcell
• Second-teamer: Kyle Peko
• Third-teamer: Jay-Tee Tiuli

It isn’t what the Broncos intended, but it might work out better than they anticipated. Denver’s free-agent courtship of D.J. Reader stalled when the price became too steep, but Casey provides the team with a better pass rusher and some flexibility.

According to stats compiled via NFLGSIS.com, the Broncos used at least three defensive linemen on just 32.8 percent of their snaps last year. Because Purcell was used in some two-lineman packages, he saw action on 51.0 percent of the snaps in the 13 games he played in 2019. If the Broncos carry Purcell and Peko, the outlay for them would represent just 2.15 percent of the Broncos’ salary-cap figure.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

• First-teamers: Von Miller, Bradley Chubb
• Second-teamers: Jeremiah Attaochu, Malik Reed
• Third-and fourth-teamers: Justin Hollins, Malik Carney

When Chubb returns, the starting duo speaks for itself.

The re-signing of Attaochu allows the Broncos to breathe easier if Chubb’s rehabilitation hits a late and unexpected snag before the season. It also permits the team to bring Chubb along slowly if it needs to, providing the option of gradually increasing Chubb’s repetitions until he is at full strength.

Hollins’ progress will be one of the most fascinating aspects of the defense to monitor once the team reconvenes, given the flexibility he brings in working inside or outside. Denver would also like to see if Reed can make a jump after showing flashes as an undrafted rookie.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS

• First-teamers: Todd Davis, Alexander Johnson
• Second-teamers: Josey Jewell, Joe Jones
• Third-and fourth-teamers: Hollins, Josh Watson, Tre’ Crawford

Johnson’s emergence changed the landscape of the position. Before he broke through last October with strong instincts and energetic play, inside linebacker appeared to be the most pressing need. Johnson pairs well with Todd Davis, as the two have strengths that are ideal complements. The Broncos could use some more depth and could start planning for the future with Davis in his contract year.

CORNERBACKS

• First-teamers: A.J. Bouye, Bryce Callahan
• Second-teamers (base): De’Vante Bausby, Duke Dawson Jr.
• Third-teamers (base): Isaac Yiadom, Davontae Harris
• Fourth-teamers (base): Shakial Taylor, Alijah Holder
• No. 1 nickel package: Bouye, Callahan, Bausby

Given the questions about Callahan in the wake of his foot injury, it would be a shock if the Broncos do not add to this mix. If they do so through the draft, prospects such as TCU’s Jeff Gladney, Virginia’s Bryce Hall, Utah’s Jaylon Johnson and Clemson’s A.J. Terrell could be on their radar. If they wait until after the draft, Prince Amukamara remains available, and the Broncos have the cap space to accommodate his contract.

That said, don’t sleep on Dawson, Yiadom or Davontae Harris, all of whom saw extensive action at various points. Taylor should also press for a depth role. Not all of this quartet will stick, but it would be no surprise of the Broncos find a pair of keepers from this young cluster. Harris, Yiadom and Dawson endured trial by fire last year and displayed poise and an even-keeled mentality.

SAFETIES

• First-teamers: Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson
• Second-teamers: Trey Marshall, Tyvis Powell
• Third-teamers: P.J. Locke, Kahani Smith

Proven depth in Fangio’s scheme is scarce after Will Parks’ free-agent departure for Philadelphia. Marshall started the final two games last year and acquitted himself well with 15 total tackles. Given his role on special teams, he should be back for his third season. Powell spent most of the final two months of 2019 on the Broncos’ practice squad; the Broncos are the eighth team for which he has played in some capacity (offseason roster, practice squad or active regular-season roster). He started one game for the 49ers in 2018.

Still, this is a position at which you can expect the Broncos to add at least one more player to their two-deep. Southern Illinois’ Jeremy Chinn and Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger both stood out during Senior Bowl week, easily handling the level jump from FCS and Division II, respectively. Denver hasn’t leaned on small-school prospects during the Elway era, but the hard-hitting Chinn and uber-athletic Dugger could change that.