Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero embracing previous scheme but with nuances

As he walked around the practice fields during training camp last month, the voice of Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could rarely be heard. Evero would observe an individual drill and pat nose tackle Mike Purcell on the helmet after what he judged to be a good rep. He would confer with head coach Nathaniel Hackett, the latter far more animated. And during teamwork, he would be focused on his call sheet and jot down an occasional note. But the light timber of his voice resonated well. “Very energetic, very passionate, very direct, very clear and concise with his message,” defensive backs coach Christian Parker said. “And you can feel his passion for the game.” Evero’s passion was fueled during his playing days at UC-Davis, where Hackett was a teammate, and a coaching career that has included three stints in the state of California sandwiched by jobs in Florida and Wisconsin. He has worked for Vic Fangio, Dom Capers, Monte Kiffin and Wade Phillips, among others. Defensive play-calling luminaries, all of them. Now in his 15th NFL season, Evero gets his first chance as a coordinator starting Monday night in Seattle. Evero, 41, is intent on taking advantage. “I’ve been really impressed with him and just his demeanor and edge,” general manager George Paton said. “No one is as confident as (Evero). Really impressive in the room. Great command and presence and a way about him on the field.” The Broncos’ defense gained a reputation last year that was equal parts true and concerning. True: They would beat up on teams with young quarterbacks or inferior rosters, teams such as Jacksonville and Detroit, the New York Jets and Giants. Those were stat-padding games. Six of their seven wins were by double digits. Concerning: They didn’t have the goods to beat teams like Kansas City and Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Those were alarm bell-ringing games. There was never a confident feeling that the defense could make a stop and give the offense a final chance; never a belief externally they could create a turnover to provide a short field. The Broncos finished eighth in fewest yards and third in fewest points allowed … but 28th on third down, tied for 21st in takeaways and tied for 17th in sacks. The Broncos need to stop the run better on early downs, so they signed D.J. It’s on him and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones to set the tone on defense. And the Broncos needed a better pass-rushing presence, so they signed Randy Gregory from Dallas. It’s on him and Bradley Chubb to close the deal on defense. Evero believes being better against the run will lead to being better on third down. Despite the struggles of the past six years (no playoff appearances) and many of the same players in place, Evero wanted to have a soft transition. He is keeping many of the same tenets of the Fangio scheme. But he is aware of what needs to improve, and he has added his own stamp. “As teachers and coaches, we want to make it as easy as possible for the guys,” Evero said. “We want them to play fast. There are a lot of things terminology-wise that are similar and there are things that are different.” Said Parker, the only position coach on defense retained by Evero: “The foundation is definitely Vic, but there are a lot of variations of what we want to do, both on a very small and major scale.” Those nuances and variations will debut against the Seahawks. More moving around of the personnel? What Evero knew at the time of his hiring is he had players to build around. Dre’Mont Jones is in a contract year and had 5 1/2 sacks last year. Chubb is also in a contract year and finally healthy. Safety Justin Simmons is an all-areas-of-the-field playmaker. And cornerback Pat Surtain II should be a breakout player candidate. But the Broncos need to make more plays. More first-down run stops. And get more interceptions. “We have to take the ball away more,” Parker said. During defensive staff meetings, Evero is collaborative. He wants to hear other opinions, even if they aren’t completely aligned with his view. Outside linebackers coach Bert Watts: “He’s a true pro. You see it in his preparation and how he carries the meetings. One of the tough things is when you’re working with someone and you’re not sure what’s going to happen. That’s not the case with E. Every day, we’re prepared.” And he’s teaching us how to do it.” Inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen: “His 14 years of experience in the NFL shines through all the time. I’ve been impressed with how he runs the staff and players meetings.” Two years ago, Evero was on a Rams staff whose defense wa