Nic Clemons as a DE

My apologies to those who may have written about this subject in the comments to other posts.  But, to me, what has been lost in all of the belly-aching and gnashing of teeth since the draft is an appreciation for the players that we currently have on the roster.  Among these, one, in particular, who I feel should be mentioned is Nic Clemons.  For the past two seasons, he has played as a rotational DT in the previous 4-3 scheme.  While I can't vouch for his responsibilities in this defensive scheme, he seemed to do pretty well when asked to clog the middle.  Now, let's take a look at how he could project as a 5 technique DE in the 3-4.

 Clemons is 6'6'' and around 300 lbs.  More than adequate for what one would hope for in a prototypical 3-4 DE.  In addition, though lacking in great pass rushing moves, he seems to be the kind of player who can and will selflessly stack up the point of attack.  I remember thinking that New England was nuts for moving a player with his dimensions from DT to DE.  That player?  Richard Seymour (another converted DT out of Georgia.) This isn't to say that Clemons will be a star.  Or, even that he will be a decent starter.  But he may just have the tools.  And, just how many 3-4 DE's are stars in the NFL?  It's a job that doesn't have the cachet that a 4-3 pass-rushing DE has.

Lastly, a general point regarding the same belly-aching and gnashing of teeth mentioned earlier.  I was not in favor of Shannahan being fired.  Nor was I in favor of Cutler being traded.  But, I am not a football coach.  Nor do I work in the front office of a professional football team.  Nor do I work as a scout.  My experience with football is limited to having played LB in high school, and also for a few weeks at the college level until I realized that slow guys weighing less that 200 lbs. should look elsewhere for contact.  As a fan of the Denver Broncos, I may feel that I know what could be best for team.  But I am only a fan.  My skills and expertise lie elsewhere.  Therefore, I will defer to the better judgment of those people for whom professional football is their living.  Most fans should do this to.  Please don't read this as discouraging dissent and opinion.  Rather, understand that most of us have never actually dealt with football on the same level that the staff and players of the Broncos are dealing.  While they may not all be perfect, I'll let them do their job in the same way that I would expect them to let me do mine. 

Change is afoot, and it's an exciting time to be a fan of the Denver Broncos.  

Best Wishes to All,

JAD