The Denver Broncos figure to have one of the NFL’s best defenses in 2025, but looking ahead to the 2026 season, how much of that defense could fall apart?
The Broncos face some critical contract decisions as Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto and John Franklin-Myers will all hit free agency next offseason if they aren’t extended sometime this season. The Broncos will do their best to keep at least two of those players, but the team may need to shore up the defensive front after this year.
Sai’vion Jones was drafted in the third round of this year’s draft after the Broncos traded back into the round to take him. That selection was no doubt made with some of this in mind, but the team could need more reinforcements if Allen and Franklin-Myers were to both get away.
Another option would be to move on from D.J. Jones. Though the Broncos re-signed Jones to a three-year deal this offseason, the team could save $19.4 million against the salary cap if he is cut before June 1 next year. If they made that move, a replacement would be needed.
In a recent 2026 mock draft, Joe DeLeone of PFSN has the Broncos selecting Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round. Woods has top-10 talent, so this would be a tremendous addition.
“Peter Woods falling this far would be surprising, but in these circumstances, the Denver Broncos would not be complaining. He plays with tremendous leverage and quick feet to become a problem to block in the middle of Denver’s defense”, wrote DeLeone.
After winning four state championships in high school in Alabama, Woods committed to Clemson, where he was ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect and the best defensive lineman in the country by ESPN.
Woods is a prototypical space eater who consumes multiple blockers and blows up plays in the backfield. He is exactly what you look for in an interior defensive tackle, able to open things up for the athletic linebackers and safeties behind him to make plays.
A lot can happen between now and next spring when the Broncos think about who to take in the first round, but as you watch college football games this fall and winter, keep tabs on Woods.
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