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View Full Version : Breaking Down The Broncos Roster -- Part 2 - Defensive Tackle



TheSportsGuru
07-11-2008, 11:04 PM
Here is part 2 of MileHighReport's Series 'Breaking Down The Roster'.

This time I take a look at Defensive Tackle.

Enjoy!!

http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/11/569950/2008-denver-broncos-breaki

You can see part 1 (Tight End) here -- http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/9/568059/the-2008-denver-broncos-br

Lonestar
07-12-2008, 11:42 AM
pretty thin at DT after Thomas and Robertson pardon the pun
ALVIN MCKINLEY (6-3, 294 / 9th Year)
STEVEN HARRIS (6-5, 305 / 2nd Year
JOSH MALLARD (6-2, 265 / 4th Year
CARLTON POWELL (6-3, 300 / Rookie

with two out of the 4 being 300 or over..

C at best IMO..

Hope Powell comes on like gang busters and can give some relief time to Robertson..

Unless we are able to get better than 20 in run defense this will be a long year..

turftoad
07-12-2008, 12:09 PM
pretty thin at DT after Thomas and Robertson pardon the pun
ALVIN MCKINLEY (6-3, 294 / 9th Year)
STEVEN HARRIS (6-5, 305 / 2nd Year
JOSH MALLARD (6-2, 265 / 4th Year
CARLTON POWELL (6-3, 300 / Rookie

with two out of the 4 being 300 or over..

C at best IMO..

Hope Powell comes on like gang busters and can give some relief time to Robertson..

Unless we are able to get better than 20 in run defense this will be a long year..


Last year was a long year. Man, I hated it when teams were running all over us. We couldn't stop them. I've NEVER been as frustrated watching my beloved team getting hammered by the run.
It's gotta stop.

turftoad
07-12-2008, 12:14 PM
Here is part 2 of MileHighReport's Series 'Breaking Down The Roster'.

This time I take a look at Defensive Tackle.

Enjoy!!

http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/11/569950/2008-denver-broncos-breaki

You can see part 1 (Tight End) here -- http://www.milehighreport.com/2008/7/9/568059/the-2008-denver-broncos-br

Great article, great read. :rockon:

Skinny
07-12-2008, 01:38 PM
I thought Kenny Peterson played pretty well at DT the little that he did last year.

Lonestar
07-12-2008, 01:52 PM
I thought Kenny Peterson played pretty well at DT the little that he did last year.

and where is he now?

Skinny
07-12-2008, 02:03 PM
Listed on the roster (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=6429) as DL.

Lonestar
07-12-2008, 02:19 PM
Listed on the roster (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=6429) as DL.


better let the sports guru know.. Unless I'm blind he was not on his list..

atwater27
07-12-2008, 04:52 PM
Last year was a long year. Man, I hated it when teams were running all over us. We couldn't stop them. I've NEVER been as frustrated watching my beloved team getting hammered by the run.
It's gotta stop.

And the funny thing is, the only thing we did to fix the position was to sign a guy with one knee.

Dean
07-12-2008, 06:15 PM
And the funny thing is, the only thing we did to fix the position was to sign a guy with one knee.

To fix the position the Broncos signed a solid, veteran guy that only missed 3 games in 5 years and just had the best year of his career playing in a two gap defense even though he his abilities are better suited to a one gap system. He cost the franchise almost nothing. :salute:

I think that you are either forgeting or overlooking Powell. The Broncos also drafted a player that held the opponents' rush total over his gap to negative yardage.

The front office's draft strategy doesn't look half bad to me. We didn't have a high enough pick nor did the team want to give up the picks to move up in order to obtain either of the two big name tackles. However, they did end up with Robertson, Powell, and Eddie Royal rather than draft a big name and/or pay a kings ransome. :rockon:

WARHORSE
07-12-2008, 10:03 PM
Tim Crowder is a DE, but he will play DT on passing downs in certain situations as well. Count on it.


I really like our young Dlinemen. I think they all have what it takes, and hope the injury bug can stay away from them.

Broncos baby.

TheSportsGuru
07-13-2008, 08:50 PM
Listed on the roster (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=6429) as DL.

I was looking at pure DT's. I am going to get Peterson when I do the DE's..

Simple Jaded
07-13-2008, 09:13 PM
I was looking at pure DT's. I am going to get Peterson when I do the DE's..

So Denver has a DT that is 265LB's and a DE that is 300LB's? This isn't surprising.

Further proof that, because of a sever lack of real talent, Shanahan wins using smoke and mirrors. It's getting really old......

tubby
07-13-2008, 10:51 PM
And the funny thing is, the only thing we did to fix the position was to sign a guy with one knee.

The LB play had just as much, if not more, to do with the poor run D last year. Revamped, 3 different starters at the 3 LB positions.

:defense:

hamrob
07-14-2008, 11:34 AM
I think the ace in the hole when it comes to our Dline play is the scheme itself. True...that we only added Robinson and drafted Powell, however, you have to believe that last year's troubles had much to do with the scheme and less to do with the players. So what has changed for 2008?

1. The Scheme
2. Robinson & Powell
3. Experience for Moss, Thomas, Crowder, Harris & Peterson
4. Improved LB corps

The critical element is obvious...it's the change in Scheme. Factoring in #2, #3 and #4 above as well and I think that we're inline for a nice improvement year over year!

Lonestar
07-14-2008, 11:57 AM
I think the ace in the hole when it comes to our Dline play is the scheme itself. True...that we only added Robinson and drafted Powell, however, you have to believe that last year's troubles had much to do with the scheme and less to do with the players. So what has changed for 2008?

1. The Scheme
2. Robinson & Powell
3. Experience for Moss, Thomas, Crowder, Harris & Peterson
4. Improved LB corps

The critical element is obvious...it's the change in Scheme. Factoring in #2, #3 and #4 above as well and I think that we're inline for a nice improvement year over year!

I can see improvement but to expect more than 8 or so slots with the thinness we have at TRUE DT players is expecting more than one should.. If someone (Robertson or Thomas) gets even a minor ding and misses some time or is not at 100%. That said:

Robertson is a stud and should be solid but do not look for him to play much more than 50% of the snaps.. for many reasons to keep in in the NFL longer and lower our compensation to NYJ's. So who is going to take his snaps??

Thomas looks like he could become a stud but also remember he has played less than 30 games over the past 3 years.. He played in 16 games last year total with 19 tackles.. not much on the field time..SO look for him to come on strong in 2009.

Expecting more than part time duty from Powell is foolish.. IMO he seems like he could be the real deal stopping the run but he is a rookie and will hit that rookie wall in game 12 or so regardless. Being a rookie he will be "schooled" by alot of these Veteran OLINES we play this year..

IMHO we are one more really good DT away from being a top 5 DEFENSE..

hamrob
07-14-2008, 12:52 PM
I believe the Broncos will keep 10 defensive lineman. Here are the 10 guys I think make the squad. I think there is nice depth and flexibility in this group. The key will be health. The two on the bubble are most likely Harris and Peterson. Guys that could sneak in are Engelberger & Mallard...although I hope not! Harris could find himself on the Practice Squad again, but Powell will be on the active roster. Why? If you waive him he'll get snatched up. Thoughts?

DT/DE
Robinson
Thomas
Mckinnley
Harris
Powell
Moss
Ekubon
Dumervil
Crowder
Peterson

turftoad
07-14-2008, 01:02 PM
I can see improvement but to expect more than 8 or so slots with the thinness we have at TRUE DT players is expecting more than one should.. If someone (Robertson or Thomas) gets even a minor ding and misses some time or is not at 100%. That said:

Robertson is a stud and should be solid but do not look for him to play much more than 50% of the snaps.. for many reasons to keep in in the NFL longer and lower our compensation to NYJ's. So who is going to take his snaps??

Thomas looks like he could become a stud but also remember he has played less than 30 games over the past 3 years.. He played in 16 games last year total with 19 tackles.. not much on the field time..SO look for him to come on strong in 2009.

Expecting more than part time duty from Powell is foolish.. IMO he seems like he could be the real deal stopping the run but he is a rookie and will hit that rookie wall in game 12 or so regardless. Being a rookie he will be "schooled" by alot of these Veteran OLINES we play this year..

IMHO we are one more really good DT away from being a top 5 DEFENSE..

We still don't know enough about our LB and S corps IMHO.

Niko is an unknown and Boss have never really impressed. Hopefully the new scheme will help both.

Our safteys are not even in the avarage catagory. Lynch is the best one but we all know he's lost a step and may not even play many downs. The rest are young and unproven or journeymen.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
07-14-2008, 01:15 PM
I think were pretty solid and have tons of upside all over the DL but i think we might add another body as training camp goes on, Because i doubt Mallard is going to play DT.

Requiem / The Dagda
07-14-2008, 01:57 PM
As JR, I'm a little concerned about our depth at defensive tackle position, but I think we'll be fine considering how much we rotate our guys. I'm guessing we'll keep at least one hybrid DE who can slip in to the inside on nickel packages; perhaps Peterson. I know Crowder and Ekuban have done this as well. A lot of potential there; but as JR said, I think we need another DT.

dekers
07-14-2008, 02:34 PM
Look for Powell to make a big impact on running downs. this guy was a best versus the run in college. The D-line has me pumped this year, so many guys with potential and youth.

Lonestar
07-14-2008, 02:42 PM
We still don't know enough about our LB and S corps IMHO.

Niko is an unknown and Boss have never really impressed. Hopefully the new scheme will help both.

Our safteys are not even in the avarage catagory. Lynch is the best one but we all know he's lost a step and may not even play many downs. The rest are young and unproven or journeymen.

AS the DL goes so does the Defense.. while having all PRO LB behind you helps I firmly believe it is the DT mostly and the DL in particular that make great LB's.

I do not believe for a second that any of the great LBs in PIT, BAL or CHI would have been near all pro in DEN behind these current DLINE..

YOU WIN or LOSE on the LOS period.


As JR, I'm a little concerned about our depth at defensive tackle position, but I think we'll be fine considering how much we rotate our guys. I'm guessing we'll keep at least one hybrid DE who can slip in to the inside on nickel packages; perhaps Peterson. I know Crowder and Ekuban have done this as well. A lot of potential there; but as JR said, I think we need another DT.

We have lots of potential but are razor thin should anything happen to either Thomas who is pretty much still a rookie.. or peg leg Robertson he is just a matter of time before he can't play as much as he does..

Behind them we are not remotely deep and what is there is mediocre or really raw..


When we pick up another stud DT in the draft or FA then we will have a chance IF someone is dinged even if it is minor we all saw what a "not up to snuff" Lepsis played like last year..

It does not take much to slow someone a half step and those half step kill QB's or NOT.. Or make the stop on the run or hold off the OLINE so the LB can clean it up..

Right now we have a super stud DT in Robertson that is not going to play but 50-55% of the D snaps and a pretty raw almost rookie DT in Thomas and total rookie in Powell and those folks are the only true DT on this team.. Everyone else is a kinda DT someone that can fill in if we have to..


Sounds like 2009 to me..

Ziggy
07-14-2008, 04:15 PM
DT is the one place on this team that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Broncos use the waiver wire to fill. Depth is definitely lacking, and there are some teams out there that are considerably deeper at DT than we are. I could see Shanny either making a tc trade, or picking up a guy off of waivers. He usually doesn't like to do that at any position, but may not have a choice here.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
07-14-2008, 04:30 PM
Dont worry abour Robertson he will be fine back in the 3-4....Wont have to take on 2 guys in the run game consistantly. Thats what wore him down. Even with his problems hes missed what 2 games or something? And i watched the Pitt Vs Jets game and he was as dominant as anybody i ever seen...Yes just one game but thats in a 3-4. I love our DL potential man... Thats all you can ask for when its all said and done is guys with great work ethics trying to get better and thats the environment Shanny has built this year. Everybody talking "competition" aslong as you compete you have a chance.

Buff
07-14-2008, 05:05 PM
This is the one position on our roster that scares the bejeezus out of me...

(Aside from pretty much the entire special teams unit)

It was a glaaaaring weakness last year, to the point that we were signing dudes off the street to fill holes... So forgive me if I'm not ecstatic with the fact that we filled the position with a 2nd string 5th rounder and a guy with bum knees...

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm really glad we got Robertson, and Powell seems like he could see some time this year-- But if either were to get injured, we're looking at the same 2 starters (McKinley and Thomas) that got run over last year.

It's true that improved LB play will help, and if we can get DE's to stay healthy and rotate Crowder and Ekuban through, then we could potentially have a pretty strong D-line... But like I said, we just better hope like hell everyone can stay healthy.

Skinny
07-14-2008, 05:10 PM
I was looking at pure DT's. I am going to get Peterson when I do the DE's..Cool. I figured you would.

He was a breathe of fresh air to me last year watching him get a little bit of penetration, after watching Adams, Gordon, and Burton wobble around.

lex
07-14-2008, 05:38 PM
Any word on how Thomas has looked so far? I realize that what has happened up til now is somewhat meaningless but, still. Im really interested in knowing how Thomas does this year. With all that goes on with him and with all that gets discussed, what often gets lost is that the guy was an incredible game changing talent in college that always seemed to show up when you needed him. It may be somewhat homeristic to say that since Im a fan of Florida but its really not when you look at how Florida dominated Ohio State with the play of their defensive line...and Thomas was actually probably the best DLineman on that team when he was right and on the field. I think that often gets buried underneath all the craziness that has happened with him. By my estimate the guy should have his feet under him by now. He should be making strides here very soon.

turftoad
07-14-2008, 05:41 PM
Any word on how Thomas has looked so far? I realize that what has happened up til now is somewhat meaningless but, still. Im really interested in knowing how Thomas does this year. With all that goes on with him and with all that gets discussed, what often gets lost is that the guy was an incredible game changing talent in college that always seemed to show up when you needed him. It may be somewhat homeristic to say that since Im a fan of Florida but its really not when you look at how Florida dominated Ohio State with the play of their defensive line...and Thomas was actually probably the best DLineman on that team when he was right and on the field. I think that often gets buried underneath all the craziness that has happened with him. By my estimate the guy should have his feet under him by now. He should be making strides here very soon.

I haven't heard anything but I'm hoping he's come along enough that he'll be in the starting line up week one.

lex
07-14-2008, 05:48 PM
I haven't heard anything but I'm hoping he's come along enough that he'll be in the starting line up week one.

If he could come through, that would be a huge bonus. I think he needed to get stronger. Hopefully he did.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
07-14-2008, 06:10 PM
You dont get much out of Mini camps from DTs....There is no physical contact..We will have to wait untill training camp to get news on any DL

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
07-14-2008, 06:12 PM
But ill bet my bottom doller that Thomas and Robertson starts and be effective. I see pro bowl type of year from Thomas.

lex
07-14-2008, 09:18 PM
You dont get much out of Mini camps from DTs....There is no physical contact..We will have to wait untill training camp to get news on any DL

Thats why I said anything so far is pretty much meaningless. But you can perhaps tell if he has been spending time in the weight room vs at the dinner table.

Retired_Member_001
07-15-2008, 05:15 AM
I don't know why people don't give Marcus Thomas enough credit. He was our best DT last year, although there wasn't much competition, to come in as a rookie and cause the opposition trouble is quite something. Remember that DT's usually take a few years to REALLY develop. Now the guy isn't on such a bad defensive line, he'll look much better. If DeWayne Robertson can keep healthy, Thomas and Robertson will be a deadly combo for us. He would have been a 1st round pick if it wasn't for his issues and he's clearly gotten over them.

Lonestar
07-15-2008, 01:44 PM
I don't know why people don't give Marcus Thomas enough credit. He was our best DT last year, although there wasn't much competition, to come in as a rookie and cause the opposition trouble is quite something. Remember that DT's usually take a few years to REALLY develop. Now the guy isn't on such a bad defensive line, he'll look much better. If DeWayne Robertson can keep healthy, Thomas and Robertson will be a deadly combo for us. He would have been a 1st round pick if it wasn't for his issues and he's clearly gotten over them.

MT has a lot of potential and as he plays more he will/should get better and Robertson is just the opposite the more he plays the shorter his career will be..

Beyond those two we have very little depth and nothing long term.. other than Powell who is a total unknown as we speak..

We need to address this spot one more time next year on day one..

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
07-15-2008, 01:48 PM
Im pretty sure next year Denver will take a DT high because Robertson maybe has 2 or 3 years max to play at a high level. But i think were all under estimating the fact that he was playing in a 3-4 which is alot harder to do when your not a 3-4 type of player.

Requiem / The Dagda
07-15-2008, 01:56 PM
We need to address this spot one more time next year on day one..

And get no immediate impact from it? (More than likely.)

Lonestar
07-15-2008, 03:50 PM
And get no immediate impact from it? (More than likely.)

perhaps not as a starter but rotational play would certainly make a huge difference.

With Robertson being on his last knee (so to speak) who knows how long he can play at a HIGH level.. when he goes than we need to replace him AGAIN with a day one Pick.. Unless of course one of the lesser bodies proves the other GM's and HC's wrong by not drafting them....

hamrob
07-15-2008, 09:43 PM
DT is the one place on this team that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Broncos use the waiver wire to fill. Depth is definitely lacking, and there are some teams out there that are considerably deeper at DT than we are. I could see Shanny either making a tc trade, or picking up a guy off of waivers. He usually doesn't like to do that at any position, but may not have a choice here.Ziggy...how many DT's do you think the Broncos can keep on their active roster? My guess is 5 at best. Robertson Thomas and Powell are locks. If they tried to get Powell on the practice squad he is gone. That leaves one spot. I think Harris is that guy. Maybe they can find a guy on the waiver wires that is better than Harris...but will he have more upside? I doubt it. I also doubt we go fishing for DT's in free agency...although I could be wrong...wouldn't be the first time.

dekers
07-15-2008, 09:55 PM
I look for Denver to pick up other DT after other teams make their cuts. but i think it will only be a player to put on the practice squad , just in case we get killed by injuries again this season.