Palm Beach, Florida — The Broncos are aware of what they’re receiving in tight end Evan Engram, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
At the NFL Annual Meeting on Sunday, General Manager George Paton told DenverBroncos.com, “They’re all tone-setters.”
According to Paton, the Broncos have a clear idea of how the free-agent additions will mesh with their new club and they “fit the culture” they have laboured to create.
Paton stated, “I feel like we got better,” on Monday. “I think our defence, offence, and special teams all improved. We brought in some excellent leaders, athletes, and people. They are all type of captain material, especially the first four that we brought in. We are rather pleased with the haul.
Head coach Sean Payton sees two guys in Greenlaw and Hufanga who have established themselves as playmakers and who infuse Denver with a feeling of aggressiveness.
Payton told DenverBroncos.com on Sunday, “I would say, man, there’s some similar traits relative to [point] A, they’ve both made huge strides in their early years as defensive players.” “When you watch both of those players’ films from a distance in our league, they immediately had an influence on the 49ers’ defence. In relation to our team, we had a clear vision for both of those guys. In contrast to the draft, having a vision and knowing what the function will be right away are two aspects of free agency that we closely examine when that kind of fits. Additionally, they both like playing and are physically fit players.
Both players were standouts for San Francisco’s defence, which has been regarded as one of the best in the league. They will join a Denver defence that finished third in scoring defence and had the most effective pass rush in the league in 2024.
Payton thinks that Denver’s offence will benefit from Engram’s ability to contribute in the passing game. Engram, a two-time Pro Bowler, had almost 1,000 yards and 114 receptions in 2023. Additionally, he recorded 47 receptions for 365 yards and a touchdown even though he only played nine games the previous season.
Payton remarked, “Well, certainly, he’s experienced,” “I recall him graduating from college. He is a man who is definitely capable of running. His skill set, which includes third down and red zone, can be useful in the passing game. Then, as with each of our offensive players, it is our responsibility to capitalise on his strengths. He is a shrewd player who knows how to get open in man and zone based on his expertise. Yes, we are thrilled to be collaborating with those individuals.
In addition, the Broncos kept defensive end D.J. Jones, a key starter who Paton acknowledged was an essential component of Denver’s significantly enhanced run defence.
“It all starts up front, and D.J. sets the tone up front, stopping the run, rushing the passer,” Paton stated. “He’s just a big presence in our defence and the improved run defence we had this year.”
Both Payton and Paton now think the Broncos have the flexibility they require going into the NFL Draft in April thanks to the addition of Greenlaw, Hufanga, and Engram, as well as a host of additional signings and re-signings.
“That’s what it’s all about: being able to take the best players wherever we’re picking,” Paton said. “And now we feel like we can do that.”
