Broncos Expected To Transition To A 3-4 Defense In 2015

Mike Klis of the Denver Post writes that whether the Broncos hire Vance Joseph or Wade Phillips as their next defensive coordinator they are likely to transition to the 3-4 defense in 2015.

Joseph is reportedly the preferred candidate for the Broncos’ defensive coordinator position, but Denver is still waiting to hear whether or not they’ll be allowed to interview him, seeing as the Bengals can block him from taking the job.

Both Joseph and Phillips have experience with 3-4 defenses and the Broncos do have some pieces that would allow them to make such a transition.

Klis mentions that Denver already has two premier pass rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, to go along with a solid cornerback tandem of Chris Harris and Aqib Talib.

However, they would still need to find a solid nose tackle for the middle of their defense, and Terrance Knighton is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the coming months.

According to Klis, Knighton could “move a tick or two higher” on the Broncos’ offseason priorities list, given that he could be their nose tackle next year if they end up making the switch to a 3-4 system.

This normally a difficult transition for a team to take make in one year. Although, the Broncos are in a good enough position based on their defensive personnel that it’s at least conceivable they could be a decent defensive team next season, even with the scheme change.

We’ll have more regarding the Broncos and their next defensive coordinator as the news is available.