To win and play at a high level in the National Football League, you have to hold your own at the line of scrimmage. Over the past several seasons, the Denver Broncos have performed outstanding in the trenches. It’s a key reason why they are championship caliber team.
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The Broncos are set to return virtually every player on their offensive and defensive fronts with the exception of John Franklin-Myers. Those are some big shoes to fill, but thankfully, Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and Malcolm Roach are the incumbent top three at the position.
However, the competition for the next spot in the rotation is ramping up. Several players on rookie contracts are in a heated battle for increased playing time in 2026. Earlier in the offseason, some had pegged fourth-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike as a potential breakout player for the Broncos’ defense.
While it’s still very early on in camp, Uwazurike is starting to make some noise. Yesterday, Head Coach Sean Payton spoke highly of his career arc and progression to date.
“I’m proud of him because, you guys know this, in our sport, any sport really to just be out for a year can be difficult. He’s really come back, developed,” stated Paton.
HOUSTON , TX – NOVEMBER 2: Eyioma Uwazurike (96) of the Denver Broncos celebrates a big stop at the one-yard-line during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
“He’s strong, he’s big and he’s having a real good start to camp. I think you have to look at it as one less year than what’s listed because of the year out. He’s doing really well.”
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Uwazurike played in eight games as a rookie before missing his entire second season due to violating league policy on gambling. After a relatively quiet year back in 2024, the former Iowa State standout earned a lot of playing time last year. He finished the 2025 season with a career high 39 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
While Payton lauded his unteachable physical traits, veteran defensive tackle D.J. Jones spoke to what he has seen up close and personal as key reasons why Uwazurike performed well last year, and why he is ready to take his game to the next level in ’26.
“His hands and his eyes. This game is fast. It’s physical, which he has. But if you don’t have good eyes on the defensive line, then you’ll be lost. The leap he’s taking right now is pretty scary. He can play every position, very physical and his eyes are 10 out of 10 now,” remarked Jones.
Replacing Franklin-Myers’ production won’t be easy, but if we can trust Payton and Jones, Uwazurike appears poised to be huge part of the Broncos’ defensive plans this season.
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
