Broncos roster 2017: Linebacker Jerrol Garcia-Williams

It seems for years now that fans of the Denver Broncos have been hoping the team would use a premium draft selection in order to bolster their inside linebacker position for the long-term. Instead, they have been able to get by with mid-to-low round choices, as well as unearthing players as undrafted free agents or off the streets to come in and compete and play at a high-level.

Jerrol Garcia-Williams was one of them, who certainly has pro talent and the ability to play on Sunday’s. However, he faces an uphill battle if he wants to make his way to the team’s final roster, but he is no stranger to overcoming adversity.

The Broncos scouted him throughout the season and displayed most of their interest when they met with him after Hawaii’s Pro Day during the pre-Draft process. Garcia-Williams spent five years at Hawaii, seeing his first action in 2012 where he started seven games at the SAM linebacker position for the team. As a sophomore, he had five starts at the same position and upped his overall production, and ranked fifth on the team in total tackles.

Destined to have a breakout season in his third-year with the Warriors, the future looked incredibly bright for the Las Vegas, Nevada native. Unfortunately, he was forced to use a medical redshirt as a junior when he hurt his knee in the third game of the season against Oregon State. After a lengthy rehab, he was able to come back and play the last two seasons at inside linebacker for his squad. He had his best season in 2015 and popped up on the radar of the NFL scouting community accumulating 89 tackles, 3 of them for loss and 1.5 sacks.

His production dipped significantly in his final season, which was likely due to missing four games due to injury. Over the course of his career, he registered 222 tackles (138 solo, 74 assisted), 12.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Let’s take a deeper look at the former Warriors’ linebacker.

The Good

Has NFL bloodlines. His father played eight years in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the late 1980s through mid-1990s. Has good size for the position. Possesses positional flexibility, having seem time at outside and inside linebacker. Plays faster on film than his 4.8 forty-yard dash would indicate. Gets good pressure from his blitzes and appears to be explosive in pursuit. A natural tackler who delivers great pop with his hits and demonstrates proper technique.

The Bad

Medical concerns are extraordinary. Has a lengthy history of injuries, which caused him to miss the equivalent of approximately two full seasons in college. Was suspended for the first game of his final season, but the reason was undisclosed. Decreased production as a senior, and only had one year of eye-popping production in a weak Mountain West conference. Limited experience in coverage. Will likely be relegated to special teams duty, and if he ascends to a package player on defense, a two-down defender.

Additional Highlights

Status

With Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis slated in as starters for the Broncos’ defense, Garcia-Williams’ best bet to make the team would be as a reserve player, but faces strong competition with veteran performers Zaire Anderson and Corey Nelson. He will also have to compete against undrafted rookie Josh Banderas. Unless he really impresses, it’s unlikely he can make the final roster, but he certainly has the ability and traits to merit consideration for the team’s practice squad where he can continue to develop and perhaps pay dividends for the franchise in the future.