Broncos hosting Earl Mitchell (NT/DT) for free agent visit.

[Butler By'Note]

I agree with the type of guy we want. That's why I want Watkins. He was a team captain IIRC. He seems like a team first guy who was a leader for that Clemson defense. I think we should get someone lime Hankins in FA and Watkins in the draft. That would give us a good rotation, especially if we resign Sly. We need at least guys to man the middle IMO. We need a rotation, and not that 1 dominant guy.

DE is a different story. I want Campbell or Richardson. I want that star on the outside. We need the workers on the inside and stars on the outside. That works for all 3 levels of the defense IMO. That's one reason I want Davis at 20. He is a worker. He thumps people and is a stud in run defense.

That's the problem though, the "defensive end" the Broncos are looking for is actually a 3 technique, which means he'll line up on the outside shoulder of the guard, he's not really outside, he's a defensive tackle. The Broncos play with a 9 technique (Miller as the Sam backer) a 5 technique (Wolfe) a 1 technique (the nose tackle) a 3 technique (the other position they call "end" and a 6 technique, which they call their Will backer, but is really a stand up end.

So realistically the Broncos are looking for two "4-3" defensive tackles, and push up the middle.

As for Campbell and Richardson, that's exactly the type of players I don't want to see Denver get, those guys are high priced defensive players (which Denver already has more than enough of) who (especially in the case of Richardson) have big personalities, which aren't always about the team.

The big money this offseason needs to go to the offense, I'd sign an offensive lineman or two (one high priced one) and I'd add a more dynamic RB, whether that's someone like Latavius Murray or Adrian Peterson. The offense needs some swagger, they need some personality and dynamic, the defense already has that, they need glue guys. In my opinion of course.

[Rastic]

It's not about this one player, it's about the type of player. Denver needs to get the under the radar guys on defense, there's already enough big personalities, they need glue guys who can do their jobs for modest prices and not worry about who gets credit for what.

Also Denver needs to re-establish a deeper rotation on the defensive line, not every signing is for starters, I don't view this player as a player they would sign as a starter. And I know it's popular here to re-sign Walker, but he's about to turn 30 years old and coming off a missed season due to a torn ACL, even if re-signed I think he's an on the bubble player to make the final 53. Same as Mitchell likely would be. See which one would be cheaper and make a deal.

Oh and Mitchell has actually played 16 games four times during his career, and in his rookie season he played 15, the last 2 have been injury plagued however.

This is so important. He may or may not get signed but it is a step in the right direction and speaks well about what the team seems to be doing with depth on the line. I like it. :thumb:

[fraguela09]

Sounds like the goal is to
Get 2 NT options (re-sign Walker and add a guy like Mitchell).

Probably earmarking our cap space for a Campbell (replace Ware), Romo (if he becomes a free agent), and an OL or 2.

Hope we get Foster in the first, replenish CB, TE, WR in the draft, while adding a DL & a RB to the mix in the draft too.

[shawinkerpoppin]

I'm hoping we carry 7 defensive lineman this year. Wolfe crick and gotsis are already signed leaving 4 open spots. I can see us giving out one major contract and one minor contract in free agency and drafting 2 defensive lineman.

[Butler By'Note]

I'm hoping we carry 7 defensive lineman this year. Wolfe crick and gotsis are already signed leaving 4 open spots. I can see us giving out one major contract and one minor contract in free agency and drafting 2 defensive lineman.

I'd prefer 7 as well, or at least 6, carrying 5 with 1 on the PS isn't something I'm a fan of.

[samparnell]

I'd prefer 7 as well, or at least 6, carrying 5 with 1 on the PS isn't something I'm a fan of.

Right. Two deep plus one in each of the three groups (DL, LB, DB) gives twenty-five, and supplies plenty of special teamers.

[ERoyal248]

I agree with Butler i wouldnt sign a big money defensive player, at least like a Campbell.

Great player but he'll be 30 and will command about what Bennett got from Seattle 3 years, 31+ mil.

I'd try to get one of the DL if it was in the 6-7 mil range like a Logan, Hankins, etc.

We have more than enough big money players on defense like Talib, Harris, Ward, Stew, Marshall, Wolfe, Von, etc. If we throw out money, use it on offense for a slot WR, OL, and/or see what happens with Romo. Defense needs a few tweaks and it should be back to 2015ish form again.

[ERoyal248]

Mike Klis @MikeKlis

3-4 DE Earl Mitchell has narrowed choices from 8 teams to 4. Broncos made first cut. Visit here Wed-Thu after SEA, SF, before ATL. #9sports

Broncos DL coach Bill Kollar, HC Vance Joseph had Earl Mitchell on team before. Mitchell a quality guy/leader, 100% effort player. #9sports

[MHSalute]

Best thing with Mitchell is it would check a box early (slight pun). I do not think he solves the need for another DL guy, but upgrade our interior as a whole.

[Den615]

Mike Klis @MikeKlis

3-4 DE Earl Mitchell has narrowed choices from 8 teams to 4. Broncos made first cut. Visit here Wed-Thu after SEA, SF, before ATL. #9sports

Broncos DL coach Bill Kollar, HC Vance Joseph had Earl Mitchell on team before. Mitchell a quality guy/leader, 100% effort player. #9sports

I wonder why Elis lists him as a DE?

Best thing with Mitchell is it would check a box early (slight pun). I do not think he solves the need for another DL guy, but upgrade our interior as a whole.

Agreed. Talent-wise he is probably a wash with Sylvester Williams. If we sign Mitchell to play NT I would expect us to draft another NT somewhere in rounds 1-3. I wouldn't rule out Kyle Peko becoming part of the rotation there either.

[ERoyal248]

Klis said hes a DE, and they'd target a NT in FA to replace Williams, too lazy to post the article.

[Den615]

Klis said hes a DE, and they'd target a NT in FA to replace Williams, too lazy to post the article.

I think Klis saw his size and made an assumption. Maybe he has some inside information, but my guess would be Mitchell would play almost exclusively NT if he signs in Denver.

Here is what Kollar had to say about Mitchell when they were in Houston:

Texans DL coach Bill Kollar confirmed that Earl Mitchell will be an up-field, one-gap nose tackle in the team's new defense.
"When everybody talks about the big nose man and stuff, those are the teams that play two-gap where they play the nose man head-up on the center," explained Kollar of Mitchell. "... We don’t need a guy that’s 350 pounds and can’t move."

[ERoyal248]

Earl Mitchell, a seven-year, defensive tackle who plays defensive end in a 3-4 system, was released late last week by the Miami Dolphins because of salary cap considerations.

If the Broncos can land Mitchell, the team’s defensive plan would then turn to nose tackle where they would likely need a replacement for Sylvester Williams, who is expected to test the market when free agency opens March 9.

The Broncos will also try to sign at least one offensive lineman from free agency.

http://www.9news.com/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/mike-klis/broncos-visiting-this-week-with-defensive-lineman-earl-mitchell/409663631

[Den615]

Earl Mitchell, a seven-year, defensive tackle who plays defensive end in a 3-4 system, was released late last week by the Miami Dolphins because of salary cap considerations.

If the Broncos can land Mitchell, the team’s defensive plan would then turn to nose tackle where they would likely need a replacement for Sylvester Williams, who is expected to test the market when free agency opens March 9.

The Broncos will also try to sign at least one offensive lineman from free agency.

http://www.9news.com/sports/nfl/denv...hell/409663631

I saw the article. Thats all well and good, but Mitchell has never played 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. I wish Klis would give more more of an explanation.

[-Rod-]

When you look at Earl Mitchell coming out of college, you'd think he does not fit a 3-man front. 6'1 3/4", 296 pounds. Short, light defensive tackle. When he was drafted in 2010, the Texans ran a 4-3 defense. They had Mario Williams and Connor Barwin at DE, Amobi Okoye and Shaun Cody at DT.

25 reps on the bench press and, apparently, he ran a 4.76. I'd guess he was supposed to be a quick, penetrating 3-tech. However, he added some weight and never became a pass rusher, but he seems to be stout against the run (at least for his size).

In terms of height and weight, he looks similar to Vance Walker, who played NT and DE in 2015. So, Mitchell would probably play both positions. Perhaps he is being considered for the starting NT job, but I hope not.