2011 Denver Broncos Preview: Defensive Tackles

by Sayre Bedinger on Aug 3, 2011 8:55 AM MDT in 2011 Denver Broncos Season Preview

After what seems like a never-ending amount of games of watching teams run all over the Denver Broncos, rightfully earning them nicknames like "Swiss Cheese," it was nice to see that the team was serious about upgrading the defensive line this off-season, particularly at the defensive tackle position.

The Broncos didn't upgrade by using a draft pick on a defensive tackle, which made a lot of fans very nervous. Then, they essentially passed on all of the top free agents available to upgrade the beef on the front four. In fact, heading into training camp, there was only one defensive tackle on the roster with actual NFL experience, and it was Kevin Vickerson, a veteran who signed a two year extension before the lockout went into place.

Needless to say, many Broncos fans--including myself--were terrified of the defensive tackle situation. When I first saw this team at training camp, Louis Leonard was running with the first-team, and not to knock on Big Lou, but it wasn't exactly ideal depth that you would look for from the league's worst run defense.

So, in what seemed like no time, the Broncos acted quickly and made some moves at the defensive tackle position to give the squad some actual depth--depth that we haven't seen in quite some time. It took until August, but the Broncos may finally have a competent defensive tackle rotation, and possibly even more than that.

Ty Warren

Denver Broncos

Height: 6-5

Weight: 300

Born: Feb 06, 1981

College:

Contract: 2 Years, $10 Million($2.5 Million guaranteed)

Warren has not been a Denver Broncos defensive tackle for long (he signed a two year deal on August 2nd), but he immediately becomes the team's most experienced and decorated player at that position. After playing his entire career with the Patriots in a 3-4 scheme, Warren was released in 2011 and joins the Broncos with the hope that he can help bring this team from being the worst run defending team in the league to one of the better ones, but he's going to need some help.

The former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion has 373 career tackles and 20.5 career sacks, and was really a key part of New England's defense when he was healthy. He is known around the league as a good run stuffer, which is the main reason the Broncos brought him on board. Here is a scouting report on Warren from the folks at SB Nation:

Scouting Report

Assets	An excellent run stuffer. Holds the point of attack very well and can get some penetration. Reads and reacts well. Has some vertical and lateral quickness. Knows the system and adapts well.
Flaws	Tends to wear down at times and can be pushed around if he's not rested. Not a super athlete or pass rusher though he'll pick up some sacks.
Career Potential	Solid starter. AwardsSuper BowlSuper Bowl

And from the New England Patriots official team site:

In seven NFL seasons, Warren has started 92 of 105 games while recording 496 tackles (292 solo), 20.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
In his seven seasons in New England, Warren has been a part of six division championships, three
conference titles and two Super Bowl crowns.
Since Warren joined the Patriots in 2003, the team has finished in the top ten in total defense five times: 2003 (7), 2004 (9), 2006 (6), 2007 (4) and 2008 (10).

Kevin Vickerson

#99 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-5

Weight: 321

Born: Jan 08, 1983

College: Michigan State

Contract: 3/3/2011: Signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract. The deal included a $1 million signing bonus. 2011: $1 million (+ $375,000 roster bonus), 2012: $2 million (+ $375,000 roster bonus)

Vickerson was signed by the Broncos in 2010 after being traded by the Tennessee Titans and released by the Seattle Seahawks in the same offseason. It didn't take long for "Big Vick" to generate interest on the open market, as he signed with the Denver Broncos just one day after being released.

Vickerson showed he was worthy of not only a spot with the Broncos, but he was good enough that he actually became a starter for this team, and a darn good one at that. He had easily his best season as a pro in 2010 with the Broncos, playing in 15 games and starting 12. He had a career high 42 tackles, three sacks, three passes defensed, and an interception.

He was good enough last season that the Broncos were comfortable making him the only defensive tackle to return this season heading into training camp. They signed him to a two year extension before the lockout was put into place, and Vickerson figures to be an integral part of the Broncos' defense again this season. Here is his SB Nation scouting report:

Scouting Report

Assets	Possesses good size and adequate athletic ability but his power is his biggest asset. Is capable of punching his way through the offensive line with a nice first step.
Flaws	Doesn't have elite speed or quickness. Isn't much of a lateral mover and can be neutralized by big guys who stay in line with him. May have already peaked in terms of improvement. Has had some injury and discipline issues.
Career Potential	Good rotational D-lineman. Awards

A bio from the Denver Broncos official team site:

VICKERSON AT A GLANCE:
• A fifth-year defensive lineman who has played in 24 regular season games (2 starts) and two postseason contests (0 starts) during his NFL career.

• Set a career high in 2009 with 28 tackles (20 solo) and three pass breakups in 13 games (2 starts) with Tennessee.

• Spent time in 2007 with the Cologne Centurions, where he was named a first-team All-NFL Europa selection.

• Four-year letterman at Michigan State University, where he played 44 games (19 starts) and totaled 113 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 24.5 tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery and two blocked kicks.

• Signed as a free agent by the Broncos Sept. 7, 2010.

• Drafted in the seventh round (216th overall) by the Miami Dolphins in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Marcus Thomas

#79 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-3

Weight: 316

Born: Sept. 23, 1985

College: Florida

Contract: 1 Year Deal(2011)

A big round of applause is in order for Marcus Thomas, one of the only players to make it through all three of the Broncos' coaching regimes ranging from Shanahan to John Fox. Thomas has been developing with the Broncos since his rookie year in 2007, when he was considered a top of the line prospect who fell in the draft due to character concerns (he was kicked out of Florida).

But, with all that behind him now, the 25 year old is looking to make a name for himself in the NFL, and he has steadily been making strides on the field to prove that he can be an effective defensive tackle in the NFL, and the Broncos are back in the scheme that best suits his talents.

Since SB Nation doesn't already have a scouting report for Thomas, I will offer mine having watched every game of his since 2007. Thomas is a great athlete for his size and he has tremendous potential. Whether or not he can tap into that potential remains to be seen. He has not been a high impact player for the Broncos, but he has been durable and reliable for the Broncos, playing or appearing in every game since 2007 (64 straight regular season games).

If Thomas can channel his inner beast this year, he could be set to make some serious cash when he is again a free agent next offseason. He is still very young, and I maintain that he is still very talented. Here are his career notes from the Broncos' official site:

THOMAS AT A GLANCE:
• A fourth-year player who joins Rubin Carter (1975-77) as one of two interior defensive linemen in Broncos history to play every game during his first three professional seasons.

• Started 21 games during his NFL career, opening all 16 games for the Broncos in 2008 after starting five contests for the club as a rookie in ‘07.

• Appeared in all 16 games for Denver in 2009 and had 15 tackles along with the first blocked extra point by a Bronco in five seasons (vs. San Diego, 11/22/09).

• Registered a career-high 57 tackles (35 solo), which led the defensive line, and had one interception in 2008 as one of two Denver defenders to start all 16 games that year.

• Saw time in all 16 games (5 starts) for the Broncos as a rookie in 2007, totaling 30 tackles (17 solo) and one interception.

• Tied for second in Broncos history among defensive linemen with two career interceptions.

• Started 30 career games during four seasons at the University of Florida and recorded consecutive 12-start campaigns for the Gators from 2004-05.

• Selected by the Broncos in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Brodrick Bunkley

Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-2

Weight: 306

Born: Nov 23, 1983

College: Florida State

Contract: 2011: $635,000, 2012 Free Agent

Brodrick Bunkley could turn out to be one of the steals of the 2011 offseason if he checks out health-wise. Before playing most of last year with an injury, Bunkley was considered one of the better defensive tackles in the game, and specifically against the run. He has not turned out into the pass rusher the Eagles had hoped he would when they drafted him, but he is an aggressive player who works hard, and he will fit in well with the Broncos.

The former first round pick out of Florida state has played in 76 career games, and has six sacks to go along with 177 tackles. He immediately upgrades the Broncos' toughness up front, and he will be that much needed gap-clogger on the interior. Here is a scouting report from SB Nation:

Scouting Report

Assets	Brings an aggressive style to the interior line, mixing spin moves and a quick first step to stuff the run and occasionally break into the backfield. A very intense competitor.
Flaws	A little short for a lineman. Prefers to go after the ball rather than drop back in coverage, a sometimes gambling style that might occasionally get him burned.
Career Potential	Above-average starter. Awards

Here is a very detailed and in-depth biography on Bunkley from the Philadelphia Eagles' official site.

Jeremy Jarmon

93/Defensive Tackle/ Denver Broncos

Height: 6-3

Weight: 286

Born: Nov 30, 1987

College: Kentucky

Contract: 7/28/2009: Signed a four-year, $2.505 million contract. The deal included a $755,000 signing bonus. 2011: $480,000, 2012: $565,000, 2013: Free Agent

Jarmon is a hybrid defensive tackle/defensive end prospect who came over to the Broncos from the Washington Redskins in the Jabar Gaffney trade. He is still a very young player at 23 years old, but has been in the league for three years already and was a good low risk, potentially high upside acquisition by the Broncos.

He is a powerful player who isn't really a great pass rusher from the outside, but if you put him inside he could possibly make an impact in that regard with his bull rush moves. At this point for the Broncos, Jarmon is a bit of a project, but they are going to call upon him to be part of the defensive tackle and defensive end rotation right away. He excels at stopping the run, and here is a scouting report from SB Nation:

Scouting Report

Assets	Good size for the position. Has great strength and reach. Possesses good run-blocking skills and is a solid tackler.
Flaws	Needs to improve his vision of the field and learn to read offenses. Doesn't burst out of the line and isn't a pass rusher.
Career Potential	Rotational defensive end with solid upside. Awards

Here is his official biography from the Washington Redskins' official site.

Louis Leonard

#94 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-4

Weight: 325

Born: Jul 16, 1984

College: Fresno State

Contract: 2011: $555,000, 2012: Free Agent

Now that Kevin Vickerson has lost all this weight, Louis Leonard has replaced him as the team's biggest defensive tackle. Leonard's NFL career started in St. Louis but he didn't see any NFL action until he wound up with the Cleveland Browns, who slow-played him into the lineup.

In 2008, Leonard had 25 tackles for the Browns and showed some upside, and he was traded to the Carolina Panthers where he kind of flopped. He only played two games for them, and he was then cut and picked up by the New England Patriots. When the Patriots parted ways with him last year, the Broncos snagged him up. He has struggled with durability in his career, but he has the potential to be solid as a rotational run stuffer. Here is his scouting report from SB Nation, followed by his bio from the Denver Broncos official site:

Assets	A solid run-stopper. Has the legitimate size to excel on the NFL D-line and can play several positions on it. Possesses some explosiveness & quickness, as well as good in-game intensity.
Flaws	Not much of an edge rusher or pocket collapser, and lacks speed after his initial moves. Durability is questionable.
Career Potential	Adequate depth defensive lineman. Awards

Leonard (6-foot-4, 325 pounds) is a fourth-year player who has played 25 career games (5 starts) for New England (2010), Carolina (2009-10) and Cleveland (2007-08), totaling 46 tackles (27 solo) and one sack (9 yds.). He originally entered the NFL as a college free agent with San Diego after attending Fresno State University.

He played 43 games (23 starts) for the Bulldogs and recorded 68 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks.

A first-team All-CIF selection at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles, he was born on July 16, 1984.

Ryan McBean

#98 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-5

Weight: 297

Born: Apr 23, 1984

College: Oklahoma State

Contract: 2011: $480,000, 2012: Restricted Free Agent

When the Broncos picked up Ryan McBean in 2009, it seemed he was a long shot to even make the roster. After a strong camp and a good pre-season, McBean found himself starting 14 games for Denver in 2009, and then returning the next season to play in all 16 games and start four.

After falling out of favor with the coaching staff in Pittsburgh, he was let go and subsequently signed by the Broncos. He had 25 tackles in 2009 and 19 this past season, but he is probably most well-known and infamous for his two facemask infractions this past season, which came in one game at a critical juncture. I'm sure McBean felt the weight of the world at that point, but nonetheless, the Broncos have stuck with him and he signed his restricted free agent tender, and will return to practice as soon as the new CBA is finalized. Perhaps a change in scheme can alter McBean's fortunes with the team. Here is a scouting report from SB Nation followed by his bio from the official team site:

Scouting Report

Assets	A very athletic, quick and strong lineman who is fast enough to play at end but just big enough to also succeed in the middle of the line.
Flaws	Not an explosive player off the line and doesn't have much pass-rushing skills. Plays tentatively at times and could improve his tackling abilites.
Career Potential	Adequate starter. Awards

McBEAN AT A GLANCE:

• A third-year defensive lineman who emerged as a full-time starter for the first time in his career in 2009, starting 14 games and registering 25 tackles (18 solo) for the Broncos.

• Spent the entire 2008 regular season on Denver’s practice squad after competing in Pittsburgh’s training camp to begin the year.

• Made his NFL debut as a rookie in the Steelers’ 2007 regular-season finale at Baltimore (12/30/07) after spending the majority of the year on their practice squad as a rookie.

• Played two seasons at Oklahoma State University, starting 23-of-24 games played, after beginning his collegiate career at Hinds Community College in Hinds, Miss.

• Joined the Broncos as a practice-squad signee on Sept. 1, 2008.

• Selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round (132nd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Mitch Unrein

#96 / Defensive Tackle / Denver Broncos

Height: 6-4

Weight: 300

Born: Mar 25, 1987

College: Wyoming

Contract: Reserve/Futures Contract

Unrein was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Houston Texans last year, and was cut prior to the start of the season. The Broncos signed him to their practice squad last October, and he has yet to see any action in the orange and blue. Perhaps the pre-season will be Unrein's time to shine after a solid career at Wyoming. Here is his bio from the official team site:

Unrein is rookie defensive lineman who spent the 2010 preseason with Houston after being signed by the Texans as a college free agent from the University of Wyoming.

He was a three-time All-Mountain West selection at Wyoming, where he started every game during his final two seasons for the Cowboys.

A first-team all-state selection following his junior and senior at Eaton High School in Eaton, Colo., he was born on March 25, 1987. His last name is pronounced UN-rhine.

62 Ronnell Brown - 6'2" 270

The only rookie at the defensive tackle position for the Broncos, Brown was signed as one of the team's 17 undrafted rookie free agents in 2011 out of James Madison. He is an undersized tackle who will look to make his presence felt in the pre-season. Here is his official bio from the James Madison site, which is slightly dated:

At JMU: Fifth-year Duke and a returning defensive tackle starter… performer with the potential to be among top players in the conference at his position, said defensive line coach J.C. Price.

2009: Defensive tackle starter throughout the season… played in each JMU game and was third-team All-CAA… took part in 26 tackles, including 15 unassisted, 8.5 for loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks… third on the team in tackles for loss and fourth in sacks… vs. Villanova had career bests of seven total tackles, four solo stops, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks… had six stops, including two solo and one for loss at William & Mary… had sacks at Hofstra and Delaware… set up a JMU field goal with an 11-yard interception return vs. Maine… also had two solo stops vs. Maryland, VMI and Hofstra.

2008: Appeared in each JMU game and was in the team’s playing rotation at defensive tackle throughout the season… took part in 22 tackles, including nine unassisted stops, three tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks… involved in a season-best four tackles, including three solo stops, at Duke… took part in three tackles vs. North Carolina Central and Hofstra and two vs. Appalachian State, at Villanova, and vs. William & Mary… had sacks vs. Massachusetts and William & Mary… returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown vs. Hofstra.

2007: Played in five games as a reserve defensive lineman after sitting out 2006 as a freshman redshirt… had a shared sack vs. Towson.

High School: Three-time All-District defensive end at Hickory… First-Team All-Tidewater and Second-Team All-Region as a junior and Second-Team All-Tidewater as a senior… Second-Team All-District tight end as a junior… had a school-record 21 sacks as a sophomore.

Personal: Kinesiology major with a sports management concentration… brother of former JMU tight end Marvin Brown and current fullback Donnell Brown… son of former major league baseball player Bobby Brown.

Final Analysis

The Broncos' defensive tackle position is a work in progress, but it is significantly upgraded from a year ago. If the Broncos can get good production out of some of the cast-offs they have brought in this offseason, they should be in pretty good shape, and well-equipped to turn around the league's worst run defense.

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I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT OUR DEFENSE

we hav so much depth put Elvis and Ayers on the ends Miller at LB welcome back to the ORANGE CRUSH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im loving what Im seeing from coach fox on defense

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BRONCOS 4 LIFE

by Taylor K on Aug 3, 2011 8:58 AM MDT reply actions

Not gonna lie.

Anytime a defensive player’s strengths includes

Is capable of punching his way through the offensive line

I’m all about having him around, even if it is just for depth. Godzilla as a backup? Awwwww yeah.

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by A.J. Haefele on Aug 3, 2011 9:20 AM MDT reply actions

For sure

luckily im a bronco and a blazer fan

by chikndnnr on Aug 3, 2011 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Sayre, how many DT's do you think they keep? I've heard Fox traditionally keeps 3

and keeps a 5th DE that can play some tackle so maybe this?

DE: Doom/Ayers/Harvey/Jarmon/Beal
DT: Warren/Vickerson/Thomas

I think Jarmon’s ability to play some end will leverage him into the one of the end spots over Haggan or Hunter, and that Vickerson/Thomas will contribute better then Bunkley who’d be the odd man out on the cuts. If we kept 4 tackles, and 4 ends, I’d put in Bunkley at DT, and take Jarmon off end.

by Iwasfn47 on Aug 3, 2011 9:21 AM MDT reply actions

I think 4 would be good

by VR92 on Aug 3, 2011 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions

We will also keep Bunkley. Depending on his injury, we might need to put him on the PUP to start off the season, but he will be one of the 4 DTs.

I would say that we probably keep 4 DEs. I would remove Beal from your list and put him on the practice squad. Depending on how things work out in TC, we could keep 5 DE if someone really stands out (Hunter or Beal). I like that Hunter is on the verge on not making the team, as opposed to being a starter.

I see our starting D line:
Ayers – Thomas – Warren – Doom

Backups (rotations) would be:
Harvey – Vickerson – Bunkley – Jarmon

BIG improvement from last year.

by DieselDan on Aug 3, 2011 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree that we should keep 4 dts,

it’s traditional, however Fox generally only keeps 3, so do you guys agree Bunkley is probably the odd man out? it’s not like we have to pay him much for his month try out if so.

by Iwasfn47 on Aug 3, 2011 9:47 AM MDT up reply actions

Harvey...

Will have to work hard to make the team. It doesn’t matter where people were drafted and I’m surprised that the people on this site are enamored by Harvey because he was chosen 8th overall. He is one of the Jags biggest busts of all time, just like our Jarvis Moss.

I hope I am wrong but unless we have injuries (knock on wood), he may not make the final cut.

Also remember, we will be getting players from the waiver wire before the season begins. I expect that will be part of our front 4 as well as an o-line or two.

by OC Bronco Fan on Aug 3, 2011 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions

I would look at it this way

First, I really don’t think Bunkley is going to get cut…

DE: Dumervil, Ayers, Hunter, Jarmon, Harvey/Haggan
DT: Warren, Bunkley, Vick, Thomas

I would keep nine DL. Important to have a good rotation there.

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by Sayre Bedinger on Aug 3, 2011 9:54 AM MDT up reply actions

i agree

so then we keep 4 safteys? The cut’s gotta come somewhere, and i think Bruton’s special team’s may be more important then what Bunkley brings

by Iwasfn47 on Aug 3, 2011 9:57 AM MDT up reply actions

Sayre

You listed Vick at 321 and didn’t mention his weight loss in his section (only alluded to it in Louis Leonard’s section). I remember reading he was down to 285. How does that impact his play at DT? Will he gain some weight back and, if so, what weight do you think he needs to be effective at DT?

If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.

by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 3, 2011 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions

Great question O&BB

My guess is that Fox wants quickness from Vick over bulk. He may be the over tackle in a 4-3 hybrid. I am anxious to see what Sayre says.

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Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Aug 3, 2011 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions

Actually

I initially listed him as 6’5" 285 but this was edited and the Vickerson SB Nation profile was put up. They obviously have not edited that yet.

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by Sayre Bedinger on Aug 3, 2011 10:21 PM MDT up reply actions

I think this is what the rotation will be

DE 1: Elvis Dumervil, Beal
DE 2: Robert Ayers, Harvey
DT 1: Ty Warren, Bunkley
DT 2: Marcus Thomas, Vickerson

With Jarmon being the swing DT/DE, giving us 9 total d lineman, with more potential than anything we’ve had on the line since 2007. We’re going youth movement, so Hunter and Haggan will be the castoffs, although Haggan could be useful still on special teams and at an absolute pinch linebacker.

TAKE IT!!!!!!!

by diehardbroncofan on Aug 3, 2011 10:14 AM MDT up reply actions

I agree with this assessment!!!

by numeraluno on Aug 3, 2011 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions

Does anyone know if Bunkley is going to show up?

by VR92 on Aug 3, 2011 9:25 AM MDT reply actions

won't know until tomorrow

deal just struck yesterday and no practice today.

who wears short shorts?

by Broncs55 on Aug 3, 2011 12:04 PM MDT up reply actions

Why wouldn't he?

He showed up at Cleveland and flunked his physical. Any questions?

by myerda00 on Aug 3, 2011 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions

Also, i see some 3-4 sets in our future, and i love the potential versatility

I think we’ll throw glances of the 3-4 in at time just to see how the guys blitz off of it-

LE: Ty Warren
NT: Marcus Thomas
RE: Vickerson
LOLB: Doom
ILB: DJ
ILB: Mays/Irving
ROLB: Von

That’s a NICE makeshift 3-4 crew, especially the linebacking crew and letting Doom and Miller stand up and rush. I could def see Fox utilizing the 3-4 a little bit, ala New England in some games last year where they seemed to run a base 4-3 really and would only be in a 3-4 occasionally.

by Iwasfn47 on Aug 3, 2011 9:25 AM MDT reply actions

We aren't going to play a real 3-4

We may only have 3 down linemen, but we are using a 4-3 scheme with possibly Von Miller moving around. Warren is going to play DT for us.

by ConradA on Aug 3, 2011 9:27 AM MDT up reply actions

did you not read that i said 3-4 sets at times

and then went on to say occasionally and glances in there. pretty key words that it’d only be a couple times a game.

by Iwasfn47 on Aug 3, 2011 9:48 AM MDT up reply actions

Von will play the stronside..

And Doom is stronger at the weakside LB.. So in any 3-4 play, Doom would be the ROLB and Von the LOLB.

I bleed Orange & Blue.

by Fabio Broncos on Aug 3, 2011 11:20 AM MDT up reply actions

I hope not

The 3-4 was a failure here, to me, learn to be dominate at a 4-3 then you can tinker around with mixing in a 3-4 look, but this defense needs to get back to basics. Trying to have guys stand up then play down is a waste of time and energy at this point, especially with a very compressed off season, they need to get the base defense down and worry about making sure they can execute that versus trying to do some hybred that no one understands their roles and responsibilities.

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by Broncoman on Aug 3, 2011 9:59 AM MDT up reply actions

We will be playing a 4-3, don't listen to the folks saying 3-4

On passing downs we will be moving folks around, but it’s still a base 4-3 scheme.

by ConradA on Aug 3, 2011 10:12 AM MDT up reply actions

Lately the 3-4 AND 4-3 have been failures here

so there’s no reason we couldn’t see some 3-4 sets, which is all Iwasfn47 said. Recent history, in which our defense has been at the mercy of offensive-minded HCs and mediocre DCs, is no guide to what will work under Fox and Allen.

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by spock on Aug 3, 2011 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions

Lately the 3-4 AND 4-3 have been failures here

add to that 5-2, 4-6, Nickle, Dime, Cover 4, Cover 2 etc………

by numeraluno on Aug 3, 2011 1:10 PM MDT up reply actions

i see what u did thare!

and I am in total agreement

who wears short shorts?

by Broncs55 on Aug 3, 2011 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't know. 3-4 worked pretty well in '77.

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by Heeler on Aug 3, 2011 10:23 PM MDT up reply actions

The Orange Crush.

If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!

by Trinidad Jack on Aug 5, 2011 8:33 PM MDT up reply actions

It's nice to feel optimistic about our D-line for a change!

Also, it’s nice that we can talk about something besides QB’s.

by ConradA on Aug 3, 2011 9:25 AM MDT reply actions

Amen

by trumanj on Aug 3, 2011 9:28 AM MDT up reply actions

It sure is!

It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
Leave the hateful vitriol to the uninformed - HT 3/16/09

by firstfan on Aug 3, 2011 10:42 AM MDT up reply actions

some new details on Warren's contract

which make the signing even better…his 2nd year is non-guaranteed, and 2 mill of the 10 mill are simply escalators.

see here

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by black_knight101 on Aug 3, 2011 9:43 AM MDT reply actions

I like the moves we have made

What I like is both Warren and Bunkley are good run stuffers and provided the injury issues don’t follow them, should be an upgrade. I think with Thomas back at a natural DT position, he should start meeting his potential. The big question marks is who steps up Vickerson, McBean, Jarmon or someone else to get a good rotation. I don’t know what happened to McBean last season, but in 2009, you saw our defense suffered when he wasn’t starting, so hopefully he regains that form and continues to improve.

I don’t think this is by any means a finished project, but should be enough to improve the defense in 2011 and hopefully look to add a playmaker at the DT position in the draft next year, early canidates are:

Jerel Worthy at Michigan State
Marcus Fortsen at Miami
Jared Crick at Nebraska
Baker Steinkuhler at Nebraska
Kheesten Randall at Texas
Tydreke Powell at UNC
Kendall Reyes at U Conn

by Broncoman on Aug 3, 2011 9:55 AM MDT reply actions

I like Crick and Worthy

from what i’ve seen out of these guys so far.

by Iwasfn47 on Aug 3, 2011 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions

One name not on this list, but could be huge for us later down the road

Ben Garland –

Gotta show some love for the Falcons

by Broncoman on Aug 3, 2011 10:02 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

Yeah

Some of the pick ups are 30 or near 30, so there will be room for Garland when he is ready to join the Broncos after his active duty commitment.

If I can't have high expectations that succeed, I''d rather have high expectations and be disappointed than have low expectations and be resigned to losing.

by OrangeandBluesBros on Aug 3, 2011 10:07 AM MDT up reply actions

HUA

by Taylor K on Aug 3, 2011 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions

Vast improved unit

obviously it wouldn’t take much to be better than last year, but this group has potential to be very good. A lot depends on health of Warren and Bunkley though. If the former is in better condition now he’s gonna be great help. Don’t know if Denver’s physical is less demanding than New England’s but that did give me pause. Other than that a great pick up and a nice new group with a few of the better old faces still around.

Looks like they have smartly focused on run stopping from the interior, knowing they have good pass rushers now on the outside with Doom, Miller and Ayers. Can’t see how this team isn’t going to be at least a bit better if not a ton better than last year.

There's no need to fear, Underdog is here! / Broncos/Dodgers/Lakers fan in Niners/Raiders/Giants/Warriors country, and damned proud of it.

by underdog on Aug 3, 2011 10:11 AM MDT reply actions

A common theme with the DTs, most specialize in stopping the run.

Nothing wrong with that! I think it’s great to have three to four DTs that can stop the run. It’s a solid rotation that will keep Warren Fresh.

Also the broncos don’t really need a DT that can rush the passer. At this point that would be bonus points. On third and long the broncos can have Ayers go down to DT and have another DE on the field. Ayer’s bull rush would help calapse the pocket—I think at least. Also I’d keep Vickerson on the field for passing downs. His size allows him to knock down passes at the L.O.S. and sometimes can pick it off haha. With Dumervil/Miller coming off the edge, it’s not a bad idea having Big Vick sitting there waiting for the QB to step up—especially if it’s Rivers lol.

by tiderfootball09 on Aug 3, 2011 10:26 AM MDT reply actions

Oh and good rotation equals a healthy d-line. It benefits everyone!

by tiderfootball09 on Aug 3, 2011 10:27 AM MDT up reply actions

I don't think our DT/DEs last year specialized in anything other than watching the opposing RB go by

Ding Dong the lockout's dead

by DE_BroncoFan on Aug 3, 2011 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions

Then good thing the broncos found DTs that are opposite that haha.

by tiderfootball09 on Aug 3, 2011 2:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Ability to recover from injuries seems key here.

First up thanks for the rundown Sayre.

I’ve been checking out the ProFootballFocus site vis a vis our DTs. They are high on Warren and Bunkley as run stuffers – but both need to rebound from injury – and that is not a given.

NB A grade of zero by PFF is scored if a player does something you would normally expect, then this scores a 0. So a positive score over the season is obviously a good thing.

In 2009 Warren graded +8.2 as a 34DE (261 snaps), +2.2 as pure DT (43 snaps) and +1.2 as a 4/3 DE (143 snaps)

Bunkley looks even better on paper grading +3.4 with 334 snaps in 2010 and a fab +12.8 with 617 snaps in 2009.

Injury permitting those two should start.

Thomas did OK last year – I’m glad we resigned him – as a 34DE (430 snaps) he graded +2.1 which is pretty good.

As for the rest of our tackles they all grade out negative, including Vickerson. I know people here at MHR love him but becoming a starter in the 2010 Broncos defence was hardly an endorsement.

Anyway PFF for what it is worth graded Vickerson at -6.4 as a 34DE (419 snaps). Ryan Mcbean meanwhile graded -13.4 and was ranked 84 out of 86 players in total at his position. Louis Leonard graded -4.0 with 80 snaps with the Panthers. Go Mitch Unrein is all I can say really if we are looking for depth…..

No problem for me not drafting at DT this year – but like most others here its clear we need some injection of talent at this position via the draft soon.

What would Blackie Lawless do?

by British Bronco on Aug 3, 2011 10:39 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs

good stuff... thanks!

Love advanced stats that give us a bit of a reality check…. Bunkley has always been a favorite of mine, so hope he can get healthy and return to form.

While I like the increased depth, I point out 12th months ago we also thought last year’s depth looked much improved over 2009… that didn’t turn out so great.

There is enough here at DT for a stop-gap year, particularly if Bunkley/Warren can get/stay healthy (they also benefited by having better talent around them and are now older/injured, so we’ll see if they can maintain performance levels)…. obviously with Warren’s age, etc. and/or the general mediocrity of most these players, DT will remain a priority for future talent aquisition….

by cjfarls on Aug 3, 2011 11:26 AM MDT up reply actions

Nice post Sayre

Just an addition here before I have time to comment and point some thoughts…. Warren’s college was TEXAS A&M.

I bleed Orange & Blue.

by Fabio Broncos on Aug 3, 2011 10:46 AM MDT reply actions

Are we still looking at Osi?

by Taylor K on Aug 3, 2011 11:04 AM MDT reply actions

AdamSchefter Adam Schefter
RT @wingoz: per Newark Star Ledger, The trade window for Giants Osi Umenyiora has closed. … And the soap opera continues.
3 minutes ago

who wears short shorts?

by Broncs55 on Aug 3, 2011 12:06 PM MDT up reply actions

In the past week

our potential DT rotation has gone from disastrous to undistinguished, which is a big improvement. Since these players are mostly one-trick ponies it’s good that the trick is stopping the run. Being good only at run-stopping is why they’re undistinguished, but that weakness will be compensated by having pass rush phenoms in Doom and Miller, and maybe eventually Beal if he sticks. Hence the D-line might work well as a unit, especially given that it’s backed up by what’s developing into a superior linebacking unit. Thomas could surprise. He’ll be playing for a longterm contract, a penetrating 4-3 seems more suited to his talents, and with Fox and Allen I see less vacillation (and ineptness) in deciding how to use him. If he and/or one of the other inside players can at least push the pocket it’ll keep quarterbacks from stepping up and make the VonDoom rush more potent. This looks like a defense in which the pieces fit together and complement each other, something we haven’t seen in awhile.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Aug 3, 2011 11:19 AM MDT reply actions

I think this is a good characterization. If Bunkley and Warren are healthy, they will be much more stout against the run that others we’ve had in the middle in recent years. I also wouldn’t rule out a big year for Marcus Thomas. He’s playing for his one big contract right now, he’s moving back to his natural position, and he’s the best pass rusher from the DT position that we have. If he’s ever going to break out, it’s going to be this season.

Now if we could only add some quality depth like this to our offensive line…

by EddieRoyalwithCheese on Aug 3, 2011 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions

Sounds like we think alot alike,

or are we both drinking the same Kool-aid!!

by numeraluno on Aug 3, 2011 1:22 PM MDT up reply actions

Mmmmmm! Kool-aid.

"Surprised to see you, Captain, though pleased." — from Star Trek episode Space Seed.

by spock on Aug 3, 2011 7:16 PM MDT up reply actions

I think with Doom and Miller

QB’s will HAVE to step up into the pocket, which is where the little bit of penetration will come in handy. Stopping the run and holding your ground up front will get you some sacks if the QB is inclined to step up towards you!!!!

who wears short shorts?

by Broncs55 on Aug 3, 2011 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Thanks Sayre!

I’m feeling much better about our interior line and feel like EFX are doing a pretty solid job of making of improvements in a lot of areas.

by BroncosRock! on Aug 3, 2011 11:47 AM MDT reply actions

Great work and post sayre...

I have been waiting patiently for this to get put together. I don’t think that the delay in making these moves hurt us.

I know that many here wanted at least 1 first tier player at DT, but there was an article in here by Iwasfn47, about what he has seen J Fox do in the past regarding the DT position that I thought shed a lot of light on what we might expect.

I feel good about what is happening in the FO!

It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.

by metalman5050 on Aug 3, 2011 4:05 PM MDT reply actions