The Denver Broncos feature marquee defenders like Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, and Riley Moss. However, many analysts believe the safety tandem they have had since 2025 will serve as the defense's true game-changing engine for the 2026 season.

Highlighting the dynamic duo in a recent report, SI Nation analyst Sadaraine noted that Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones could be the real difference makers.

"I’m talking about Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga," Sadaraine noted. "When healthy, this is one of the strongest safety tandems in the NFL."

Hufanga and Jones quickly became the heartbeat of the Denver Broncos secondary in 2025. The duo shared the field for 14 games, with Hufanga suiting up in all 17 contests while Jones missed only a handful of midseason matchups, appearing in 14 games.

Per Sadaraine's reports for SI Nation, Hufanga made an immediate impact in his first season for Denver, establishing himself as a top-five safety league-wide. He posted a career-high 106 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 11 pass deflections.

Despite those elite numbers, Hufanga believes his ceiling is even higher. Lingering effects from a 2024 wrist surgery prevented him from using the JUGS machine to practice catching last year, leaving him without an interception in 2025.

Now fully healed, Hufanga is focused on turning his pass deflections into turnovers and creating even more splash plays this fall.

Complementing Hufanga's explosive style is Brandon Jones. Before a chest injury sidelined him, Jones tallied 78 tackles, seven passes defensed, a half-sack, and an interception, all while providing elite run support from the back end.

Together, Hufanga and Jones provide the playmaking power while the team tries to figure out its defensive linemen.

Broncos lineman Matt Henningsen ready for a comeback after injury 

The Denver Broncos need a new defensive lineman after losing John Franklin-Myers this offseason.

While young players like Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai'vion Jones, and Tyler Onyedim are getting attention, Matt Henningsen is another player to keep an eye on.

During the June training, Henningsen even made a big impression by intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown. Following this, head coach Sean Payton praised Henningsen per Broncos Wire reports,

“He does a great job of seeing those screens or underneath throws. He's doing really well. He's exceptionally smart. He has great respect from his teammates.” Payton said. "He knows the technique and the defense well. In a position that gets rotated and plays a lot, he's going to be competing for one of those spots." 

Payton mentioned that because the team rotates its defensive linemen often, Henningsen will have a real chance to compete for playing time this summer.

Henningsen missed the entire 2025 season because of a torn Achilles tendon. Now that he is healthy, he gets a chance to be a surprise contributor for the team during training camp.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote