PFF analyst Max Chadwick has high hopes for the Denver Broncos defense heading into the 2025 season. Here is what he said about the unit: “It’s a loaded secondary and maybe the best defense overall in the NFL.”
The unit was strong in 2024. They were seventh in yards allowed, third against the run, third in yards allowed, and led the league in sacks by a substantial margin. Denver’s defense was one of the main reasons why they returned to the NFL Playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016. They lost 31-7 on the road against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round in their return to the postseason. Will Chadwick be proven correct by the Denver Broncos defense?
Denver Broncos Defensive Outlook
The strength of the team in 2025 will be their secondary. It will be anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II coming off a great season. Denver solidified that part of its roster during the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Cornerback Jahdae Barron No. 20 overall. Playing alongside Surtain, they will create one of the most formidable duos in the league. They were 19th against the pass in 2024. The Denver Broncos secondary will be much improved with Barron in the fold.
Linebacker Nik Bonitto will look to continue making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. He was third in the league last season in sacks. Denver will look to recreate its success in the sacks department in 2025.
Final Thoughts
While Chadwick is bullish on Denver’s defense, the unit has all the makings of one that could be the league’s best. Other contenders to be the NFL’s top defense are the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver’s defense will look to take another step forward this year.
