The Lead
Von Miller may not have been one of Pro Football Focus' top 101 players in 2019, but it appears they see something of a rebound season for him in 2020.
On their countdown the league's top 50 players as the NFL prepares for the 2020 season, Miller comes in at No. 25.
Even though Miller's 2019 grade didn't rank him among the elite, his spot on this new list is based on "a multiyear look at their grading before making adjustments based on situation, relevant injuries and new circumstances that could change a player's outlook. Sample size was factored in as well as any suggestion of decline from players reaching latter stages of their careers."
However, by the season's end, we could see more Broncos ranked highly by PFF — especially if Miller returns to form with help from a healthy Bradley Chubb. Safety Justin Simmons, linebacker Alexander Johnson and wide receiver Courtland Sutton all ranked in the top 101 for their 2019 season grades.
Below the Fold
Simmons also graded highly in a rundown of the NFL’s top coverage players, as ranked by NFL.com's Nick Shook. "Simmons didn't face nearly as many targets as someone like Gilmore (Gilmore: 96; Simmons: 44), but he was incredibly effective when he was the nearest defender on a target. Simmons' ballhawk rate -- the percentage of targets where the nearest defender made a play on the football (pass defensed or interception) -- was 34.1 percent, the best among those meeting this established criteria by more than six percentage points."
ESPN has finished announcing its all-conference teams after revealing rosters for the Pac-12 and non-Power 5 schools. New Broncos defensive lineman Jurrell Casey (USC) made the Pac-12 team and cornerback A.J. Bouye (Central Florida) made the non-Power 5 squad.
Phillip Lindsay spoke with The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala to reflect on his offseason and his thoughts on the Broncos' new offensive system. "I think it's gonna be simpler for us to learn," Lindsay said. "And I think it's going to be aggressive. I just think that it's what fits my style, and I've been able to adapt to every style, but I think that this style right here is something that is going to fit me, kind of like how my rookie year was. I'm excited about that."
