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The Denver Broncos defense has seen a resurgence in 2017, recapturing much of the toughness and grit it had during its amazing 2015 Super Bowl run. The biggest part of that return to glory has been the nearly impenetrable wall that makes up the middle of its defensive line.
Both Derek Wolfe and Adam Gotsis have become run-stopping beasts, but the biggest factor in that has been Domata Peko Sr. and his ability eat up blocks inside.
According to Pro Football Focus, he has graded a 75 or above in all but two games this season against the run and is currently the highest graded interior defender on the team ranked above both Wolfe and Gotsis with a 82.4 grade.
He has been the difference maker between the 2016 version of the Broncos defense and this one.
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Honorable Mention
If the offense was a bit better overall, I’d probably have gone with Ronald Leary as the seasons most valuable player for the Broncos so far. Leary is the 7th best guard as graded by PFF in the entire NFL with an 83.3 overall grade. He and Matt Paradis are the only two reliable and consistent players on the offensive line this year.