NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the first half at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos DE Malik Jackson

The Denver Broncos defense will be more exciting than ever with Wade Phillips running the show, and one of the players who stands to benefit the most from this change is defensive end Malik Jackson, who will play the “J.J. Watt” role for the Broncos defense. While he’s nothing resembling Watt in any shape or form, Jackson is one of the most well-rounded and underrated defensive ends in the game.

Last season, Jackson had just three sacks, but he also had the best PFF Run Stop% among 55 qualifying 4-3 defensive ends. Jackson is the epitome of a two-gap DE who can win in a variety of ways, and if he can finish more plays in 2015, he could become widely recognized as a star on a Broncos front seven that includes Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Danny Trevathan, and breakout candidate Sylvester Williams.

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