Great Crop Of Defensive Tackles

[Iron Clady]

I was angry when the needs for quality defensive linemen were not addressed. The defensive line might have been the weakest unit on the team last year and we did little to improve it. I think the reason is because there is a great group of defensive tackles in next year's draft. Assuming that some big names declare early, the draft could have 6 to 8 first round talents at defensive tackle. One is Terrence Cody, who is by far the defensive tackle in the draft best-suited for a 3-4 nose tackle. There are many options at defensive tackle that we could move to defensive end. These options include Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Arthur Jones, Marvin Austin, Vince Oghobaase, Lawrence Marsh, and Geno Atkins, who are all possible first round picks. Suh and McCoy would've been taken in the top 20 picks this year and only figure to move up possibly into the top 10 or even top 5. Both are disruptive forces that could be Pro Bowl caliber defensive ends. Jones, Austin, Oghobaase, Marsh, and Atkins are also very good players who could provide talent to our defensive line. The crop of defensive tackles in next year's draft could provide a major upgrade to our new 3-man defensive line.

[licence_to_kill]

Terrence Cody isn't ready for the NFL.

[hardcorebronco]

Terrence Cody isn't ready for the NFL.

Uhh really?

When healthy he was the most dominant defensive lineman in the entire college ranks... but that's my biggest concern for Cody... His health issues with his knees.

But as for NFL ready, size and talent, you won't find a better prospect.

[mozzerpete]

Terrence Cody isn't ready for the NFL.

I loathe comments like this.
It's a blatant successful attempt at rhetoric.
When will people learn not to make
"crystal-ball" predictions?

...by the way License, not a knock on you as a
person just your comment. :peace:

[broncos SB2010]

I was angry when the needs for quality defensive linemen were not addressed. The defensive line might have been the weakest unit on the team last year and we did little to improve it. I think the reason is because there is a great group of defensive tackles in next year's draft. Assuming that some big names declare early, the draft could have 6 to 8 first round talents at defensive tackle. One is Terrence Cody, who is by far the defensive tackle in the draft best-suited for a 3-4 nose tackle. There are many options at defensive tackle that we could move to defensive end. These options include Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Arthur Jones, Marvin Austin, Vince Oghobaase, Lawrence Marsh, and Geno Atkins, who are all possible first round picks. Suh and McCoy would've been taken in the top 20 picks this year and only figure to move up possibly into the top 10 or even top 5. Both are disruptive forces that could be Pro Bowl caliber defensive ends. Jones, Austin, Oghobaase, Marsh, and Atkins are also very good players who could provide talent to our defensive line. The crop of defensive tackles in next year's draft could provide a major upgrade to our new 3-man defensive line.

I disagree with the BOLD. I think the weakest area was the secondary. I also disagree that they did little to improve it. 1. New defensive coaching staff. 2. A new defensive scheme. 3. At least 2, maybe 3, new starters on the line. I do agree with the assessment as to why the Dline wasn't addressed in the draft.

Next years class will be much better at NT and DE, Brace was overrated and there wasn't really much to pick from. They got Baker as an UDFA and he is as good as anybody else for a NT, outside of Raji, imo. I also don't think they drafted any Dlinemen because they wanted to see what they have already first as well. Several of the guys already on the team have potential to standout and be very good in a 3-4.

[aberdien]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh

[Hoserman117]

Terrence Cody isn't ready for the NFL.

Ah yes, I'm glad to see all of your thought out reasoning behind this. Excellent post. CP for you.


:incomplete:

[licence_to_kill]

He's not. He needs to drop his weight, improve his motor (a lot), and improve his technique. He misses a lot of snaps for bama and by the 3rd and 4th quarter loses a lot of his effectiveness.

I thought this was all common knowledge.

[licence_to_kill]

Nothing against Cody or Bama, I like them both. But all the kid is right now is a mammoth body. He needs a lot of work this off season.

And if you're wondering why I double posted its because Im not allowed to edit my posts.

[broncosfan8210]

we should have taken that usc line backer ray monaluga

[Thrasher]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh

yes sir :salute:

[Vhailor]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh

Most definitely Ndamukong Suh. That guy is a beast.

[housemouse]

If Cody could drop his weight to 330/340 or so.
Then i'd think about it.


I'll actually be mad if we get Suh. All his talent wasted on a 3-4 DE that just takes up blockers..

[Cutler2007]

Best case Scenario is for Baker to establish himself this year and really free up the draft next year. Wilfork, Hampton, and Aubrayo Franklin are 3 guys set to be FAs next year also.

WE may find DE is the real priority in the draft after this year and FA passes.

[broncos SB2010]

Best case Scenario is for Baker to establish himself this year and really free up the draft next year. Wilfork, Hampton, and Aubrayo Franklin are 3 guys set to be FAs next year also.

WE may find DE is the real priority in the draft after this year and FA passes.

That's what I think as well. Fields and Baker seem to be playing ok. McBean and Peterson also seem to be playing ok as well but Peterson is 30 so it would be nice to get a young guy in to learn for a year if he isn't ready the first year. There are a couple serious studs who could play DE next year. Carlos Dunlap is my first choice but then there are guys like Arthur Jones and Vince Oghobaase that I would be very happy with as well.

[Iron Clady]

Dunlap wouldn't be a good fit at end in the 3-4. He'd need to add on like 20 pounds. He's in the mold of Julius Peppers. He's freakishly fast and quick for his size and power. A 3-4 end is more of just a defensive tackle playing outside to occupy blocks and free up the linebackers. Dunlap could maybe play outside linebacker if he's fluid enough to drop back in coverage. He would be a force rushing the passer and against the run. His length would make him very good in coverage if he could flip his hips and run with tight ends.

[91bronco]

In all fairness an argument can be made that no DT's are ready for the NFL LOL

Seriously though, it's definitely one of the tougher positins to make a successful transition from college to the pros. It is widely accepted DT's need 2-3 years to make an impact and the clock is ticking... has been since Shannys watch. It will be interesting to see how Baker and company develop....

[colinski]

we should have taken that usc line backer ray monaluga

Demand for MLBs (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d811b1d43&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true)

Over the past 10 years (2000-09), only four inside or middle linebackers have been drafted in the first round of the draft -- the only position with less first-round picks over that time is fullbacks with none (not including punters/kickers).

The reason for this is because unless a prospect can play all three downs as an inside linebacker or can rush the passer and create big plays, teams are waiting to the later rounds to fill a need at the position.

Over the past two years, only 15 inside linebackers have been selected over the entire draft. In 2002, just two were taken in the first four rounds while only four were chosen in the first four rounds in 2006. In the 2009 draft, two very good players James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) and Rey Maualuga (USC) did not get picked until the second round by the Rams (35th overall) and Bengals (38th), respectively.

[broncos SB2010]

Dunlap wouldn't be a good fit at end in the 3-4. He'd need to add on like 20 pounds. He's in the mold of Julius Peppers. He's freakishly fast and quick for his size and power. A 3-4 end is more of just a defensive tackle playing outside to occupy blocks and free up the linebackers. Dunlap could maybe play outside linebacker if he's fluid enough to drop back in coverage. He would be a force rushing the passer and against the run. His length would make him very good in coverage if he could flip his hips and run with tight ends.

6-6. 290 can run a 4.7 40 at only 20 years old............, Yea.........that's a guy you wouldn't want on your team.

[Iron Clady]

6-6. 290 can run a 4.7 40 at only 20 years old............, Yea.........that's a guy you wouldn't want on your team.

Read what I put. Did I say I wouldn't want him anywhere? No, I just said he's not a good fit to be a defensive end in a 3-4.