Thread: Austin's rise a treat for Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The first question Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway received when he met the media Saturday afternoon was about the release of Kevin Vickerson, a nine-year veteran defensive tackle who started 41 of the 47 games he played for the Broncos in the past four seasons.

Releasing a player with that sort of pedigree was notable, and Elway explained that the team chose between Vickerson and fourth-year vet Mitch Unrein for the final spot in the trenches.

That Elway didn't even mention Marvin Austin's name in his response indicates just how far the former second-round pick has come in the last four months.

rest - http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-an...d-e71f72347269

That Elway didn't even mention Marvin Austin's name in his response indicates just how far the former second-round pick has come in the last four months.

It really does, and says much of how Sylvester Williams performed when Vickerson got hurt, too. Vickerson's been starting for us ever since he was one of our 3-4 DEs; now he's not even our 4th best DT. I still think the injury's a big part of that (dislocations create susceptibility to recurrence, since the tendons are looser, and Big Vick has a lot of mass on that hip) but it's self-evident Williams earned his starting job and Austin earned the #3 spot (especially since I doubt we kept Unrein as a 270 lb. NT.)

http://www.denverbroncos.com/team/ro...1-a746a7716dc3

Mitch Unrein isn't 270lbs.

I've always liked him for some reason. I'm glad to see him step up, and that he's improved for us.

Originally Posted by Joel

It really does, and says much of how Sylvester Williams performed when Vickerson got hurt, too. Vickerson's been starting for us ever since he was one of our 3-4 DEs; now he's not even our 4th best DT. I still think the injury's a big part of that (dislocations create susceptibility to recurrence, since the tendons are looser, and Big Vick has a lot of mass on that hip) but it's self-evident Williams earned his starting job and Austin earned the #3 spot (especially since I doubt we kept Unrein as a 270 lb. NT.)

Where in the did you come up with Unrein weighing 270 lbs? He probably hasn't been that light since the 5th grade. Make sure you click on Jaded's link I'm sure it's 10 times closer to his true weight than 270 lbs.

Originally Posted by Jaded

http://www.denverbroncos.com/team/ro...1-a746a7716dc3

Mitch Unrein isn't 270lbs.

I'm sure Unrein is a couple of biscuits over 270 lbs.

Unrein is listed at 6'4"/306 at the Broncos' website.

I've always like Vick. I wish him the best.

Originally Posted by TXBRONC

Where in the did you come up with Unrein weighing 270 lbs? He probably hasn't been that light since the 5th grade. Make sure you click on Jaded's link I'm sure it's 10 times closer to his true weight than 270 lbs.

I really wish I could remember where I saw that now, 'cause I was sure I did. But fair enough, I stand corrected, and just as well; I like my DTs on the plus side of 300.

I have to admit I thought Austin was nothing more than camp fodder when he signed. Glad this kid has made the team and added depth to the DT spot. In fact this is the deepest this team has been in the defensive line that I can remember and I go back to the early 70's.
Hate to see Big Vick go though. I wish him the best, he'll always be a Bronco in my book.

Vick and Pot Roast together seemed unstoppable though. Not sure about this move.

NYG DLine backups are good enough to start in most teams.

Originally Posted by Joel

I really wish I could remember where I saw that now, 'cause I was sure I did. But fair enough, I stand corrected, and just as well; I like my DTs on the plus side of 300.

Good grief Joel if you're watching at all and have seen Unrein there is no way you're going to say the guy is 270 lbs.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...2010&genpos=DE

Unrein went to the combine as a 276lb DE, 5 years ago, maybe that's where he got it.

Originally Posted by DenBronx

Vick and Pot Roast together seemed unstoppable though. Not sure about this move.

I think Knighton and Williams are going make a solid combination. That was already starting to happen at the end of last season. I like Vickerson but he's not much of pass rushing threat. Knighton and Williams give us a better balance of run defense and pass rush.