Broncos Upgrade On Defensive Line | Free Agent Moves
Mar 10th, 2010 | By Sean Douglas | Category: AFC East, AFC North, AFC West, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, NFL, NFL Free Agency, New England Patriots
The Denver Broncos needed to do something on the front line to help against the run or teams would exploit their undersized defense again this year. For now, they have helped themselves with the signing of former Chargers’ nose tackle Jamal Williams.
Not only did the Broncos sign Williams, but they also added defensive ends Jarvis Green (Patriots) and Justin Bannan (Ravens) to round out the front three on the line.
All three players are thirty or older and one has to question if these players can hold up through a long NFL season. The player I have great concern for is Williams who missed all but one game of the 2009 season.
The heart of three – four defenses can be found in the linebacking core and at the nose tackle position. While it takes all components on a defense to be solid to work, in a three – four you had best have some great backers and a really good nose tackle.
Earlier this offseason I wrote an article about how a bunch of teams that run the three – four defense were placing their nose tackle with the franchise tag. This shows you the importance of either keeping that tackle or making darn sure you get compensation for them.
The Chargers tried to shop Williams around for trade this offseason but could find a taker for the one time dominant run tackle. Just that fact that the Chargers had to let Williams walk for nothing shows you there are some red flags with this player at age 33.
If Williams can’t bounce back than the Broncos need to find a decent answer in free agency to provide depth at this crucially important position.
Look for the Broncos to probably come out strong once again in to 2010 with their defense leading the charge, but they are primed for another second half slide.
NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com
