Denver has gaping hole on defense

[tnedator]

Denver has gaping hole on defense

Options for replacing Wilson all carry risk

By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated:04/15/2007 12:37:45 AM MDT

As they continue putting together a roster worthy enough of attaining their stated goal of Super Bowl XLII, all the Broncos have to do is fill the enormous void that gapes smack-dab in the middle of their defense.

That's all.

In manners of logistics and emotions, middle linebacker Al Wilson had been the heart of the Broncos' defense since the turn of the millennium. Although he was named to the AFC's Pro Bowl team in five of the past six seasons, Wilson's playing days are now finished in Denver, and possibly from football altogether, because of a neck injury.

"I was pretty close to Al, personally," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said. "I don't really get that close to a lot of players but I had a good relationship with Al. I'm personally sorry to see him leave. I don't think there was any option for us, or maybe Al, until he gets his neck straightened out. I don't know if wants to play this year. Maybe next year. But he was a very important part of our team for eight years. You don't get a better leader than Al."

In replacing Wilson's soul and spirit, don't be surprised if veteran safety John Lynch develops an even stronger voice than he's already had. Champ Bailey, confident but quiet by nature, sets the example for the cornerbacks. Up front, there is no shortage of voluble veterans in Gerard Warren, Kenard Lang and Ebenezer Ekuban.

Finding intangible substitutes, though, may not be the Broncos' greatest challenge. For the first time in eight years, the Broncos need someone who can play at the caliber of a healthy Wilson.

The Broncos have three options, each of them carrying a degree of risk.

One option: Draft David Harris. The Broncos have strong interest in the 6-foot-2, 243-pound inside linebacker from Michigan.

"He's a bigger version of Al Wilson," said Brian Mackler, Harris' agent.

Most draft analysts project Harris as an early second- round pick, which means the Broncos could either trade down from their No. 21 overall first-round pick, or move up from their No. 56 overall position in the second round.

"He's strong, has great fluidity in the hips and is probably the best form tackler of the inside linebackers in this draft," said Mike Mayock, a draft analyst for the NFL Network. "He's a very good, not great inside linebacker who I think would be a nice safe pick for a team picking between 25 and 32 in the first round."

The concern is whether Harris would be ready to play on third down as a rookie. But after posting the fastest 10-yard and 20-yard times among all inside linebackers at the NFL scouting combine, Harris may have convinced the Broncos of his athleticism.

A second option: Shift D.J. Williams from outside linebacker to the middle. The gamble here is Williams said he has never played inside linebacker. In fact, Williams would probably have less adjustment if the Broncos switched him to fullback.

He scored 42 touchdowns during his senior year at national power De La Salle (Calif.) High School and was a fullback his freshman year at the University of Miami.

Then again, if Nolan Cromwell can go from quarterback to safety, if Mike Furrey can go from safety to receiver and record 98 receptions for 1,086 yards last season for Detroit, can't a player as strong, fast and athletic as Williams go from outside to inside linebacker?

A third option: Sign a free- agent starter such as Atlanta's Edgerton Hartwell.

Hartwell was a three-year standout alongside Ray Lewis in the Baltimore Ravens' 3-4 defense from 2002-04, but was plagued by injuries to his Achilles and knees during his two years in Atlanta.

He finished strong last season, though, making 12 tackles in Game 15 against Carolina.

"I don't look at it as trying to replace Al because Al had a lot of unique qualities as well as talent," Bowlen said. "But this kind of thing is not new to my business. If we're lucky enough to get a player with the same unique qualities as Al, hallelujah."

Search for new Al
Besides incumbent Nate Webster, who is considered a top reserve, there are three ways for the Broncos to replace middle linebacker Al Wilson:

1. The draft

Mississippi's Patrick Willis has surged to a top-12 pick, which puts him out of the Broncos' reach. Next best is Michigan's David Harris, with Brown's Zak DeOssie (6-5, 250) a sleeper.

2. Free agent

The best remaining unrestricted middle linebackers are Edgerton Hartwell and Peter Sirmon.

3. D.J. Williams

It's easier to go from outside linebacker to the run-first middle than vice versa.

Staff writer Mike Klis can be reached at 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com.

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5670088

[Dream]

Harris would be nice, but I think Klis is a little off as is Bill Williamson. Both are on record saying this is a good class, but it really sucks. I think Denver could stay at #56 and get him, but who knows. #21 is way too early.

[nacourtney07]

I have a feeling that if Al does get medically cleared then he may get re-signed by the Broncos next offseason....sounds like Mr. Bowlen is taking this pretty hard.

[mxbronco13]

Originally Posted by nacourtney07

I have a feeling that if Al does get medically cleared then he may get re-signed by the Broncos next offseason....sounds like Mr. Bowlen is taking this pretty hard.

There is no chance of that happening if another team signs him 1st knowing that when he gets healthy they have a quality top 5 MLB.

[SS #38]

I've heard they've already decided to shift DJ from LOLB to MLB. I think Williams is flexible enough to get it done maybe even better than Wilson did, but we'll see. All we have to if that happens is pick up a decent outside LB in one of the middle rounds, preferably second. I really don't think we need to worry about it, Bates and Shanahan know what they're doing.

[WABronco]

Originally Posted by Dream

Harris would be nice, but I think Klis is a little off as is Bill Williamson. Both are on record saying this is a good class, but it really sucks. I think Denver could stay at #56 and get him, but who knows. #21 is way too early.

As do I.

PFW compares him to Kirk Morrison...I'd love to have a Kirk Morrison on our defense.

He'd give us a legit run-thumper though, with some athleticism. We haven't had a presence like that for a while...

[Broncomanjrd]

I see D.J. moving to the middle.

[Hoserman117]

Yeah i'd definitely see DJ in the middle.

[WABronco]

Harris can play the strongside as well.

[dogfish]

Originally Posted by Dream

Harris would be nice, but I think Klis is a little off as is Bill Williamson. Both are on record saying this is a good class, but it really sucks. I think Denver could stay at #56 and get him, but who knows. #21 is way too early.

agreed-- the linebacker class this year kinda blows. . . i will break something if we take harris at #21! i wouldn't mind him as much at #56 (if we take a DL at 21!), but even that pick i don't love. . . i'm not sure, but i actually think i might prefer siler to harris-- whatta you guys think?

also, what are your opinions on durant? will he be better at WILL or MIKE? and where will he go? sounds to me like he should be available in the 3rd, and he just might have more long-term upside and versatility than a lot of the higher-ranked options. . .

in any case, i've been warning since the end of the season that this team isn't going anywhere if we don't beef up our run D up the middle, and this is HARDLY the best start. . . i personally feel that mckinley may actually be a downgrade from myers, and our LB corps certainly just got worse. . . . if we don't get stronger up the middle, LT and larry johnson are going to absolutely run wild on us, and there goes any hope of anything better than scrapping for that last wildcard berth. . . if we don't end up with rodgers or jenkins, our new offense is going to have to score an awful lot to keep us competitive. . .

[NickTranOwnz]

I think of Wilson's presence as like, the plug in the black hole in the center of the defense (literally/physically and in spirituality). With him gone, the black hole is open and it sucks everyone in, collapsing the defense.

I also think of him as the keystone in an arch, because it is what holds it together. With the keystone gone, the arch can't stand and collapses.

[dbsoldier]

I just think williams was made to be a MLB. I was pissed when they drafted him in the first place. Al I loved very much but im thinking he is more hurt than he lets on and was always a little small to be playing in the middle. Williams is much faster and bigger. my only question is can he call the plays??

[jb_edson81]

Originally Posted by dbsoldier

I just think williams was made to be a MLB. I was pissed when they drafted him in the first place. Al I loved very much but im thinking he is more hurt than he lets on and was always a little small to be playing in the middle. Williams is much faster and bigger. my only question is can he call the plays??

and be the vocal leader that Al Wilson was....

[BDMuhe]

Originally Posted by NickTranOwnz

I think of Wilson's presence as like, the plug in the black hole in the center of the defense (literally/physically and in spirituality). With him gone, the black hole is open and it sucks everyone in, collapsing the defense.

I also think of him as the keystone in an arch, because it is what holds it together. With the keystone gone, the arch can't stand and collapses.

I don't mean to sound sarcastic here, so if I do I apologize in advance. Everybody acknowledges Wilson's leadership and his outstanding play, but to say that the D will collapse spiritually and physically now is just a tad bit melodramatic. He will be missed early, but somebody will step up and become the new heart and soul. You make it sound like everybody else on the D are just mere sheep, now in mortal danger from the ravenous wolves now that their sheperd is gone. There are only really one or two players that would be devastating for the Broncos to lose right now, and neither one of them is named Al Wilson...the first being Champ and the second being Cutler, and him only because we've pinned the franchise on his chest.

[SHELLBACKBRONCO]

Originally Posted by jb_edson81

and be the vocal leader that Al Wilson was....

Well, he's got a couple of years under his belt now. Maby he just needs a chance.