Lonestar
08-18-2009, 07:36 PM
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
Posted: 08/18/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT
As roster architect of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kevin Colbert was a popular executive during the offseason.
His expertise was sought partly because his team had just won the Super Bowl and partly because the Broncos, Packers and Chiefs were switching to the 3-4 defense this year.
The Steelers have the model 3-4 system, and Colbert was asked which position had to make the greatest adjustment from the old 4-3.
"Defensive end, for sure," Colbert said.
Do not understate the Broncos' trade Monday for little-known Le Kevin Smith, a five-technique defensive end. The Broncos acquired Smith and a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2010 fifth-round pick.
Smith was a rotational player who never had an NFL start in his three seasons with the Patriots, but he now becomes arguably the Broncos' most qualified five-technique defensive end.
Five technique? It's an inside-slotted defensive end, a player who possesses enough athleticism to play outside and the strength to play inside.
"There is quite a bit of pressure on those guys because they have to handle the (offensive) tackle and also be able to fall into plays inside or outside," said Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who called on his mentor, New England coach Bill Belichick, to make the deal for Smith. "They can't jump around blocks. It is a very physical position. It is not for the weak of heart. You have got to go in there and slug the tackle and try to knock him back and win each play that way."
Apparently, the Broncos became concerned enough with their defensive performance in their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers to seek reinforcements for their front seven.
The Broncos started Ryan McBean, who spent the past two seasons on practice squads, at the five-technique position.
McBean had a sack, but the 49ers without star tailback Frank Gore also had 76 yards rushing on 15 first-half carries for a 5.1-yard average.
"Le Kevin expects to have a chance, and hopes to earn a starting job there," said Smith's agent, Adisa Bakari.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13147899
The Denver Post
Posted: 08/18/2009 01:00:00 AM MDT
As roster architect of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kevin Colbert was a popular executive during the offseason.
His expertise was sought partly because his team had just won the Super Bowl and partly because the Broncos, Packers and Chiefs were switching to the 3-4 defense this year.
The Steelers have the model 3-4 system, and Colbert was asked which position had to make the greatest adjustment from the old 4-3.
"Defensive end, for sure," Colbert said.
Do not understate the Broncos' trade Monday for little-known Le Kevin Smith, a five-technique defensive end. The Broncos acquired Smith and a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2010 fifth-round pick.
Smith was a rotational player who never had an NFL start in his three seasons with the Patriots, but he now becomes arguably the Broncos' most qualified five-technique defensive end.
Five technique? It's an inside-slotted defensive end, a player who possesses enough athleticism to play outside and the strength to play inside.
"There is quite a bit of pressure on those guys because they have to handle the (offensive) tackle and also be able to fall into plays inside or outside," said Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, who called on his mentor, New England coach Bill Belichick, to make the deal for Smith. "They can't jump around blocks. It is a very physical position. It is not for the weak of heart. You have got to go in there and slug the tackle and try to knock him back and win each play that way."
Apparently, the Broncos became concerned enough with their defensive performance in their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers to seek reinforcements for their front seven.
The Broncos started Ryan McBean, who spent the past two seasons on practice squads, at the five-technique position.
McBean had a sack, but the 49ers without star tailback Frank Gore also had 76 yards rushing on 15 first-half carries for a 5.1-yard average.
"Le Kevin expects to have a chance, and hopes to earn a starting job there," said Smith's agent, Adisa Bakari.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13147899