Mile High Report
Entering his fourth year with the Denver Broncos, defensive lineman D.J. Jones believes this year’s team has a shot at being dangerous.
Entering his ninth season in the National Football League, Denver Broncos nose tackle D.J. Jones has played a lot of football. He’s been on great teams, awful teams, and everything in between. That’ll happen when you play over 110 games between the regular season and playoffs in a career that has spanned nearly a decade.
In three seasons with the Broncos, the team has endured its ups and downs. But their most recent efforts in 2024 have brought newfound optimism as the team gears up for its 2025 gridiron campaign. Since the 2022 season, Jones has manned the middle of the Broncos’ defensive line and been a force at nose tackle. His stoutness and strength at the point of attack has been a key reason for the unit’s success.
Durable, dependable, and productive, battle-tested veteran has brought much needed stability and leadership to the team. He has appeared and started in 48 games and amassed 122 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. Earlier this offseason, the Broncos rewarded him with a three-year contract extension, with the hope he can help bring another Lombardi Trophy to Denver.
When speaking to the media after yesterday’s practice, Jones reflected on his past experiences with successful teams. In his time with San Francisco 49ers, he was a member of several teams that reached the Super Bowl. With the Broncos’ 2025 campaign on the horizon, the ninth-year pro mentioned that he’s feeling that success vibe in the Mile High City—and believes they can be a force to be reckoned with.
“With teams that I’ve been on that have been successful, later in the year, earlier in the year, you can feel it in OTAs and I did. It’s fell over into now, so I feel like if we keep stacking and stay healthy, we’ll be a dangerous team,” stated Jones.
There is a lot of reason for optimism with this year’s Broncos. Continuity with the coaching staff is a primary reason. Having a budding star at quarterback helps. But perhaps just as important, they have the luxury of every starter and key backup from their offensive and defensive lines coming back.
Playing alongside Jones will be Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers and Malcom Roach. Three players who all sported the best seasons of their career in ‘24. Whether it’s was putting pressure on the quarterback or stuffing the run, the Broncos’ core four on the defensive line put together one of the best performances fans have seen in years.
And quite frankly, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them do even better in ‘25. While Jones secured his extension, the aforementioned teammates are all still waiting for theirs. Unfortunately, it appears unlikely the Broncos will be in a position to keep them all. That’s why it’s important for Broncos Country to soak it in while it lasts. They have one last...
