The Denver Broncos' defense remains one of the most feared units in the NFL, and the league is taking notice after the 2026 NFL Draft.

After a dominant 2025 season, the Broncos have managed to keep their core intact. While John Franklin-Myers departed for the Tennessee Titans in free agency and Dre Greenlaw was released, the team retained nearly all of its key defensive pieces.

Since returning as defensive coordinator in 2023, Vance Joseph has built a consistent, hard-nosed unit that commands respect. Despite being a top head-coaching candidate this offseason, Joseph remains in Denver—and that's great news for Broncos fans.

Following the draft, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport ranked every NFL defense, placing Denver at No. 2—just behind the Houston Texans. In fact, he nearly gave them the top spot, calling the Broncos and Texans "two defenses that are in a tier of their own."

"Stacked at every level" and "nightmare fuel for opposing offensive coordinators" were just some of the praise heaped on the Broncos. And it's easy to see why.

The defensive line remains a force. Even without Franklin-Myers, Denver boasts a loaded front featuring tackle Zach Allen and edge-rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. No team recorded more sacks in 2025.

Behind them, linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad helped the Broncos allow just 91.1 rushing yards per game—second-fewest in the league. In the secondary, safety duo Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga may be the best in the game, and cornerback Patrick Surtain II—the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year—continues to anchor the pass defense, which ranked seventh overall.

As Davenport put it: "If Denver's on the schedule, good luck moving the football."

For Broncos fans and anyone who appreciates elite defense, this unit is ready to make another statement in 2026.