Denver Broncos: 3 positions that gain importance under Vic Fangio

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns is sacked by inside linebacker Todd Davis #51 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos hired Vic Fangio because he’s noted for being great on one side of the ball. In this case a long history of superb defense.

There’s nothing wrong with that. Great defense gave the Broncos their most recent Super Bowl and they have enough talent on their roster to field another one. However, it may require some tweaking in certain areas. The thing to remember is Fangio may be keeping the same scheme, but his priorities on position groups could differ significantly from his predecessors.

That is the question that will be focused on here. What are three positions that will likely garner increased importance under the new Broncos head coach and why? Is Denver equipped enough to meet those demands or could changes be on the horizon?

Cornerback

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This is basically true of any 3-4 defensive scheme but it’s important to note anyway. One of the key reasons Fangio has had great success during his last two stops in Chicago and San Francisco was a strong supply of cornerback talent. He had two former 1st round picks in Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara with the Bears and Pro Bowler Carlos Rogers with the 49ers. The good news is he’ll have Chris Harris Jr. in place. The big question is can he get more out of Bradley Roby or will a change be necessary?

Inside linebacker

This is a big one. The Broncos haven’t invested heavily in inside linebacker for years, instead opting to focus elsewhere. That could change under Fangio. He’s always put a premium on quality players at that position. He had Sam Mills in Carolina, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman in San Francisco, and most recently Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith in Chicago. When he has a pair of good ones, things always seem to kick up a notch everywhere else. Don’t expect Josey Jewell or Todd Davis to last long if he has his way.

Nose tackle

Trace the success of previous Fangio defenses and they all tend to have one thing in common: they stop the run well. This is thanks in large part to having a quality nose tackle in the middle. Eddie Goldman was his underrated ace in Chicago the past few years, Isaac Sopoaga in San Francisco, and Greg Kragen in Carolina. Domata Peko is a smart veteran player but that’s not a position he’s used to playing in a 3-4. Combined with his advanced age, the likelihood is strong Denver makes a change there sooner than later.

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