If you have been addicted to the Denver Broncos for very long, you recognize the fact that the defensive line has not been a strength team -- for a long time. To have a a large number of the very last 7-10 seasons, the Broncos have had average defenses, and most times have taken very poor run defense. The main reason due to this, for me personally, is your defensive line has not been a strength. There have been a range of veteran free agent signings who have not solved (Daryl Gardener, Jarvis Green, Jamal Williams, etc.). The draft has really not helped with all the talent on your defensive position either. Mike Shanahan had decent success drafting defensive lineman (Trevor Pryce, Marcus Thomas, Elvis Dumervil). Josh McDaniels didn't address the line of defense inside the draft in any respect, it also was one of the biggest mistakes he produced in Denver (which is saying lots, because he made A huge number of mistakes).
The rationale the defensive line is going to be a unit of strength this year is simple - competition. The Broncos front office added players which have been highly touted and underachieved (Derrick Harvey, Brodrick Bunkley, both former 1st round picks), with a guy that has been an expert bowler (Ty Warren). On top of fresh players, there are a couple of returning players that ought to thrive in the 4-3 defense, and never require to have been within the 3-4 defense in the first place (Robert Ayers, Marcus Thomas). Oh yeah, there's that other guy named Elvis that will be making his return this year. Elvis Dumervil has bulked up and appears like he's ready ensure it is a terrible experience for opposing quarterbacks on passing downs. Forget about playing linebacker, he'll be lining within a 3-point stance every play.
While many "experts" are quick to write-off the moves the Broncos have formulated to bolster their defensive line, I would like to elucidate why I don't agree. The Broncos created younger guys (Harvey, Bunkley) which can be seeking to prove they belong inside the NFL. Many "experts" once said these guys were worth the danger of drafting within the first round. Well, which "experts" were wrong then!? Harvey and Bunkley the two of them have short contracts remaining, and can need to influence the Broncos, and scouts around the league, that these belong. There is no better way to prove you belong than to earn an area in the defensive line rotation for your Broncos this year. Now that the awful performance of a little while ago, any improvement will be noticed, but a major improvement could earn some big paychecks. Heck, even Ty Warren needs to prove something this year. After sitting out last year with a hip injury, daegan has to make certain that he are available back healthy and play at a high level. He's 30 years old and most definitely has a two-year contract with the Broncos. If he can enjoy alright two years, another contract could be in his future.
The Broncos players which can be coming back from not too long ago should do in fresh defensive scheme (Ayers, Dumervil, Thomas). While Robert Ayers is going to be playing defensive end, he will move inside to tackle on passing downs -- to be able to make room for 2011 first round pick, Von Miller. This is certainly what Ayers did in college, and is more natural for him. He can stuff the run, plus get now that the quarterback. He will not need to be a stand-up linebacker and can be much more comfortable. The best part is that with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil bringing heat off edges, Ayers have to get good one-on-one matchups against guards and centers. Marcus Thomas is my candidate for breakout player of your year -- that's right, you heard it here first. Thomas is crazy athletic, and his skills shall be utilized under John Fox. Smith a one-year contract, and can certainly look to play well and earn large pay check day.
What do you think of those Broncos line of defense this year? Will they finally be dominant, or will they actually be a disappointment like they have been through the years?
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