Broncos roster 2017: Kasim Edebali

When Kasim Edebali signed in March, even the most ardent fan may have done a, “who?”

Before Edebali came to the Denver Broncos on a one-year deal, he spent the first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He played in all 48 possible games and started twice. Edebali recorded 54 tackles, eight sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble with the Saints.

Perhaps his best known highlight - working out for the WWE - came to light shortly after Edebali signed in Denver. In the short video, you hear The Rock’s entry music and out comes Edebali. You also see some of his in-ring work.

So what does the fourth-year outside linebacker bring to the Broncos? Will he even make the 53-man roster?

The Good

Edebali adds depth to a loaded and talented group of outside pass rushers. He’s also been in this role the first three years of his career and he’s had some success in the process. Add Edebali to a much better defense and Denver could get big things out of him.

Edebali is also a good player. His final year at Boston College featured multiple accolades, including second-team All-ACC honors as awarded by conference coaches. He was a team leader for the Eagles.

All of this shows Edebali will have a great attitude and put in his work. He also has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove John Elway and the Broncos right. That’s not to say he’ll make the team or even do anything of note, but you can see why Elway and the team signed him.

The Bad

Denver is loaded at this position. That makes the challenge two-fold: To not only make the roster, but to even get on the field. You have Von Miller and Shane Ray, plus Shaquil Barrett. So already a player like Edebali is fourth on the depth chart.

That means Edebali must take advantage of every opportunity he gets, and shine whenever he gets them. The competition for that fourth spot will be fierce. In my mind, Vontarrius Dorra is right there with Edebali. Now it’s up to one of the two, and that’s exactly what Elway and Vance Joseph want. May the best man win.

With Barrett out the next few months with that hip injury, that opens the window for both.

Quotable

Edebali on what former BC teammate Justin Simmons told him about the Broncos system: “He talked more about how the guys work here. Once he mentioned that guys just get after it and have a winning culture, that’s something that really inspired me and something that I would love to join.”

Status

This is one of those low-risk, high-reward signings for Elway and Denver. And you can never have enough pass rushers. There’s no question Edebali will have the right attitude and put in the work to make the team.

I think Edebali takes advantage of his chance and not only makes the final 53-man roster, but contributes when he gets on the field. He did it in New Orleans for a defense nowhere near as good as the Broncos. Surrounded by better talent, Edebali will prove to be one of the better off-the-radar signings.