NFL 2015: Ranking each defense from 32-1
13. Denver Broncos
Denver has talent, but is also undergoing some serious changes. For the last three seasons, the Broncos have run a 4-3 defense under coordinator Jack Del Rio. However, after losing their first playoff game last year, the Broncos decided to clean house and brought in Wade Phillips to run the defense. With Phillips in town, the unit will change over to a 3-4.
General manager John Elway decided not to aggressively pursue defensive help in free agency, adding only safety Darian Stewart. In the draft, Elway took outside linebacker Shane Ray, who will likely be mixed in behind DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller on passing downs. With that trio, getting pressure on quarterbacks should be no problem buoyed by top corners in Aqib Talib and Chris Harris.
The real concern here is on the line. Nose tackle Terrance Knighton is gone, replaced by Sylvester Williams and Vance Walker. With Derek Wolfe suspended for the first four games of the season, the Broncos are very susceptible to the run. If Phillips can figure out a way to stop teams from gashing Denver on the ground, he is in great shape.
Next: 12. Cincinnati Bengals