Which teams are closest to replicating Broncos' model of success?
The 2015 Denver Broncos are considered one of the best defenses ever, after riding their terrifying 3-4 scheme to Super Bowl glory.
Denver boasts three legitimate top-flight cornerbacks in Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, and Bradley Roby, while sporting two of the most proficient outside linebackers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.
As the adage goes, the NFL works as a copycat league, and teams will be lining up to replicate the Broncos' defense.
Here are some teams that could adapt the Broncos' model:
Kansas City Chiefs
It's a nauseating proposition to Broncos fans that the Chiefs are the closest team to replicating their terrific 3-4 defense. The Chiefs played the Broncos tougher than any opponent, losing narrowly in Week 2 and handing the Super Bowl champions their largest margin of defeat in Week 10.
Kansas City possesses two excellent cornerbacks in Sean Smith and Marcus Peters, who led the NFL in interceptions during a standout rookie campaign. It should be noted that Smith is an unrestricted free agent, but he'll be the Chiefs' top priority. Eric Berry continues to excel as the league's premier strong safety, and the Chiefs are poised to shut down the passing game for years to come.
Justin Houston and Tamba Hali make up one of the most formidable outside linebacker duos in the league, and may be second only to the Broncos' tandem. Derrick Johnson fortified the middle of the field and is better than Denver's Brandon Marshall, who's criminally underrated in his own right.
Running a 3-4 scheme, the Chiefs sport both the personnel and the tactics that could put them in position for Super Bowl glory. There's little else the Chiefs need to do in order to match the Broncos, although a lofty draft haul wouldn't hurt.
Los Angeles Rams
Unlike Kanye West, the Rams are intent on making their first season in Los Angeles a party.
The Rams' depth at defensive line is unmatched, with Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Chris Long excelling against single coverage. Outside linebacker Alec Ogletree boasts freakish athleticism, and when the Rams are at their best, they inspire bouts of claustrophobia in opposing quarterbacks.
Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald are quietly emerging as two of the NFL's most promising safeties, while cornerback Trumaine Johnson is a darling of the analytic community and could be next year's Josh Norman.
The Rams need to address a glaring hole at strong safety, and outside of their two starters, they lack true depth at cornerback. With approximately $39 million in cap space, Los Angeles is well-positioned to pursue a marquee defensive back in free agency, or alleviate its weakness in the first two rounds of the draft.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo's defense was a resounding disappointment, and with Rob Ryan commanding the unit next year, it's hard to imagine it can pose a challenge to Denver.
Ronald Darby proved to be a revelation and was on the cusp of stardom during his rookie campaign. Paired alongside Stephon Gilmore, the Bills' cornerbacks were among the few bright spots during an underwhelming year. Aaron Williams will return from a gruesome neck injury, and it remains to be seen whether he can be an upper-echelon strong safety again.
Two seasons ago, the Bills led the NFL with 54 sacks, albeit in an aggressive 4-3 base that accentuated their defensive line's talent. Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams remain one of the NFL's best defensive tackle pairings, while Mario Williams will likely become a salary-cap casualty.
The Bills will need to address their needs at defensive end and linebacker through the draft with little recourse to make moves in free agency. With some of the core tenets in place at secondary and defensive tackle, the Bills could replicate the Broncos' model with an excellent draft.