This is the NFL offseason, the time between OTAs and training camp, when players flee to exotic landscapes for one last vacation before the hard work continues, and when fans hope and pray they don’t see their favorite player’s name and “arrested” in the same sentence.
We often say that the NFL season never stops, and that’s mostly true, but if it ever did, it would be during these few weeks in June and July.
Fortunately, that gives us some time to regroup, take stock of the Broncos’ draft and free agent class, and look forward to training camp. In the next few weeks, we’ll be publishing positional previews three times a week in preparation for the franchise’s run towards a fourth championship.
Last year, Denver boasted one of the best defensive lines in the NFL — they finished as a top-three run defense for the third time in four years. The versatility and depth at the defensive tackle position was integral in their Super Bowl 50 victory.
But will they be able to replicate that success in 2016? Only time will tell.
Projected Depth Chart
STARTERS:
Sylvester Williams
Darius Kilgo
SECOND STRING
Phillip Taylor
Kyle Peko
Calvin Heurtelou
FIGHTING FOR A ROSTER SPOT:
David Moala
Big Question: Can Phillip Taylor stave off injury and regain his old form?
At the time of his signing, Phillip Taylor looked to be a low-risk high-reward safety valve, but he will have to do more than that this season if the Broncos want defensive production. While
Taylor has been plagued by injuries since he was a rookie in 2011, which still remains his best statistical season. That year he boasted 59 tackles and four sacks. Over the next four years, he only added an additional three sacks and 50 tackles combined.
He’s had two knee surgeries and missed 20 games in his first four seasons, and he played zero games last year. If anyone can whip Taylor back into shape and utilize him to his fullest potential, it would Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Phillips has his work cut out for him with Taylor, but if he can remain healthy, Denver’s defensive line will be stronger because of it.
Most Important Player: Sylvester Williams
Entering his fourth season with the Broncos, Williams is the most-veteran starter at the defensive tackle position. Williams has been a consistent player for Denver since his rookie year, averaging 15 tackles per season.
His numbers might not be the kind that jump out at you, but his value comes in his steady nature and his leadership qualities. Denver has three rookies and one new free agent on the defensive line; all will look to Williams for guidance, stamina and leadership.
Williams was Denver’s first-round draft selection in 2012 when they signed him to his four-year rookie deal. Since this is his fourth year, they had the chance to exercise his fifth-year option but chose to decline.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Denver won’t choose to re-sign him next year as a free agent, but it should give him the added motivation to have a high-production year and give himself the best shot at a lucrative multi-year contract. Whether that is with Denver or another team, it’ll be in Williams’ best interest to make this year one for the books.
Surprise Player: Jared Crick
Crick is listed on the depth chart as a defensive end, but may play at the tackle position depending on the need. Crick is a five-year player out of Nebraska who spent his first two seasons in the NFL under Kubiak and Phillips at Houston.
Crick also had three years with defensive line coach Bill Kollar in Houston and credits him with his transformation to a starter.
In Houston, Crick had 146 tackles, 5.5 career sacks and 13 pass deflections. He is strong against the run and is versatile enough to play multiple positions on the defensive line.
If that third piece is missing on the 3-4 line, look for Crick to make an appearance alongside Williams.
Overall Grade: C+
In conjunction with many of the positions entering the 2016 season, the defensive tackles will likely be a hit or a miss. Luckily, Phillips’ 3-4 defensive scheme places a greater emphasis on the linebackers instead of the tackles — and Denver’s linebackers are a nasty bunch.
Add in the security of a returning Derek Wolfe and the addition of rookie Adam Gotsis at defensive end, and the uncertainty at tackle looks a lot less scary, especially if Crick can shift inside at times.
With this host of versatile talent and fresh faces, Phillips’ brilliancy may shine through again, leaving opposing offenses as flummoxed as they were last season.