Broncos’ DL rebuild hinges on rookie or Uwazurike to replace Franklin-Myers
Tyler Onyedim or Eyioma Uwazurike must seize the Week 1 job after Denver lost John Franklin-Myers to Tennessee’s $63M deal.
Tyler Onyedim or Eyioma Uwazurike must seize the Week 1 job after Denver lost John Franklin-Myers to Tennessee’s $63M deal.
The Broncos drafted Tyler Onyedim in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, but he’s not guaranteed the starting role. Robert Saleh has emphasized competition, framing the position as a two-man race between Onyedim and Uwazurike. Uwazurike, a 2022 fourth-round pick, flashed upside in limited 2023 snaps but hasn’t locked down a full-time role.
Onyedim, meanwhile, dominated at San Diego State as a senior before turning pro, posting 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2023. His college tape shows burst off the edge and the functional strength to set the edge against the run. The rookie’s production at the FCS level—where San Diego State competes—ranks among the most dominant single-season performances by a defensive end in the subdivision over the past decade.
This roster pivot represents a stark financial recalibration for a franchise that just cleared significant cap space by moving on from Russell Wilson. Investing premium draft capital in Onyedim rather than matching the Titans' massive offer sheet signals a shift toward building through youth rather than paying for past production. The front office is betting that either Uwazurike’s development curve accelerates or Onyedim’s collegiate dominance translates immediately to the NFL level, avoiding the need for another expensive free-agent splash.
The statistical void left by Franklin-Myers is massive; his 12 sacks in 2023 not only led the team but marked the highest single-season output by a Broncos edge rusher since Von Miller’s prime. Saleh’s defensive scheme relies heavily on a four-man rush to generate pressure without sacrificing coverage depth, meaning the new starter must be more than a run-stuffer. If neither Onyedim nor Uwazurike can consistently collapse the pocket, the Broncos may be forced to blitz more frequently, potentially exposing a secondary that is still finding its identity.
Saleh called the situation “open competition” during OTAs, signaling no favorites. Tycen Anderson, slated to start at safety, has also been spotted working with the defensive line in practice, adding another wildcard to the mix. Robert Saleh said the Broncos will name a starter based on performance, not draft pedigree.
“We’re going to play the best football players,” Saleh said. “It’s not about who drafted who or who’s a rookie. ” The timing of this competition couldn’t be worse for Denver’s defensive staff.
The AFC West features three teams—Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders—with top-10 offensive lines in 2023, all of which ranked in the top half of the league in pass-blocking efficiency. Replacing Franklin-Myers’ production against this gauntlet will require immediate impact from whichever rookie or developmental player wins the job. The Broncos’ defensive line depth beyond the projected starters is thin, with undrafted free agent LaDarian Lewis the only other edge threat on the roster.
A Week 1 loss to the Ravens in Denver’s opener would put immense pressure on the new edge rusher to deliver right away. What’s next: Denver’s first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 8 will serve as the first real test for the competition. The loser of the Onyedim-Uwazurike battle could slide into a rotational role, while the winner sets the tone for a front that must replace Franklin-Myers’ 12 sacks from 2023. Read at Pro Football Rumors
Franklin-Myers’ departure exposes Denver’s defensive line as a pressure-dependent unit. His 12 sacks in 2023 were the highest single-season total by a Broncos edge rusher since Von Miller in 2012. Who replaces him will determine whether Denver’s pass rush remains elite or regresses in 2024. The decision also carries cap implications: Uwazurike is owed $1.3 million in 2024, while Onyedim counts for $1.1 million. A slow start could force Denver to revisit the market before the trade deadline.
Pro Football Rumorsprofootballrumors.comBy Sam RobinsonJul 1, 2:56 PMen-US
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