Depth Chart Question No. 3
Defensive end Derek Wolfe has, by many standards, underperformed in his three years with the Broncos. As the Broncos’ first-overall (second round) draft pick in 2012, Wolfe was expected to be a run-stopper who can also get to the quarterback. Injuries and general lack of performance raised big questions as Wolfe heads into his contract year. The fact that Wolfe got himself suspended for four games for violating the league’s PED policy doesn’t help his cause.
So with Wolfe out for four games to start the season, Denver is being forced to use veteran Antonio Smith. Smith was a virtual no-show throughout the preseason and comes with his own major baggage, stemming from child abuse allegations that surfaced over the summer. Behind Smith on the depth chart is Vance Walker. Behind Malik Jackson on the opposite side is Kenny Anunike, who had a monster showing during the first game of the preseason, but was sidelined for the remainder and underwent arthroscopy on his knee just a few weeks ago.
Anunike is expected to be back for Week 1, but he may not be up to form. That leaves Denver very thin at defensive end. The Broncos face three very good rushing attacks in the first four weeks, including Jamaal Charles in Week 2 and Adrian Peterson in Week 4. Will the line hold up without Wolfe?
How the interior line plays against Baltimore could signal whether or not they’ll survive Charles the next week and Peterson shortly thereafter.
