Denver Football Club (NFL)News and Updates

In the world of NFL football, the Denver Broncos have been making headlines with their rookie defensive lineman, Sai'vion Jones. The 6-foot-6 defender, with a unique combination of edge rusher's twitch and interior lineman's power, has been turning heads in the Mile High City.

Jones' journey to the Broncos began in spring 2020, when he was a four-star edge rusher at LSU. A phone call from the then-head coach, Ed Orgeron, was so important that it led Orgeron to decline a meal at Taco Bell to take the call. The call resulted in Jones' commitment to LSU, a moment that had Orgeron bursting out screaming in the drive-thru.

Fast forward to the present, and Jones is making progress in his first preseason with the Broncos. Sean Payton, the team's head coach, has noted Jones' improvement over the last 10 days of preseason. In camp, Jones has shown an ability to create pressure up the middle, breaking out a nasty swim move for a would-be sack.

Denver's general manager, George Paton, has also expressed confidence in Jones' development. He stated that Jones is developing a pass-rush arsenal and is on track to play in the 2023 season. Paton also acknowledged that Jones has "time to develop" behind a stacked Denver defensive line.

However, Jones' path to the NFL was not traditional. He was never drafted, a fact that may have contributed to his lower cap number compared to some of his peers. His 2025 cap number is $8 million less than John Franklin-Myers, a veteran defensive lineman whose production has been known to positively impact his teammates.

The Broncos' roster management decisions are currently under scrutiny, including the possibility of not re-signing Franklin-Myers. When Franklin-Myers arrived in Denver, Zach Allen's production blossomed, while when he left New York, Quinnen Williams' production dropped. The Broncos have recently extended Zach Allen and may be tasked with paying OLB Nik Bonitto upwards of $30 million a year.

Despite the competition, Jones is eager to learn. D.J. Jones (no relation) has praised Jones, stating that he is young and eager to learn, but will be very special one day. Veteran defensive lineman D.J. Jones believes Jones' length could make him a plus against the run, despite a 26.1% missed tackle rate with LSU, according to PFF.

John Franklin-Myers, on the other hand, has racked up 50-plus pressures and 30-plus QB hurries for five straight seasons, according to PFF. Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton has noted that Franklin-Myers has been undervalued but is far from undervalued around the league.

As the preseason continues, the Broncos will be watching closely to see how Jones performs. With his unique skills and determination, Sai'vion Jones could become a valuable asset to the team in the 2023 season and beyond.

Denver Football Club (NFL)News and Updates