ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- With the 2015 season on the horizon, Pro Football Focus took a step back and selected seven Denver Broncos to its Top 101 best players of 2014 list.
Based solely off performances in the 2014 season, the Broncos boasted a pair of Top 10 selections in cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and outside linebacker Von Miller, checking in at the No. 4 and No. 10 spots, respectively.
Rounding out the remaining Bronco contingency was wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders at No. 42, defensive end Malik Jackson at No. 43, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas at No. 45, running back C.J. Anderson at No. 50 and linebacker Brandon Marshall at No. 60.
In his 2014 campaign, Harris was thrown at 89 times without allowing a single touchdown. He allowed 51.7 percent of receptions, averaging only 7.7 yards allowed per catch, while notching 51 total tackles, three interceptions and 17 passes defended.
Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson notes that while Harris doesn't have the typical build of most secondary stars, he makes the most of each and every play.
"Harris may not have the stature of some of the other top corners, at just 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, but he doesn't suffer for the relative lack of size," wrote Monson. "He has shown the ability to play at a high level in both man and zone coverage, in the slot and on the perimeter, and is remarkable only for his consistently impressive play. In 17 games this season, Harris earned a positive coverage grade in every single one of them."
Last season, Miller racked up 43 stops and 14.0 sacks to earn the No. 10 spot on PFF's list. Monson highlighted Miller's pass rush defense as a key to his performance in 2014.
"The thing that makes Miller such a transcendent talent is that there are no holes in his game," wrote Monson. "Edge defenders that are dominant pass rushers often don't have the discipline to be assignment-sure against the run play in and play out like Miller does. His 22.0 grade in run defense was the second best among 4-3 outside linebackers and he hasn't had a single season in his career grading below 20.0 against the run."
Both Miller and Harris were named to the 2014 AP All-Pro second team and were Pro Bowl selections.
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