Hello, its me again here to talk about the Broncos defense.  I know what your thinking, “here is another yahoo who’s gonna tell us how bad we’re gonna be”.  Well if that’s what you were thinking, then you are wrong.  I am here to say the opposite and I’ll tell you why.

The additions of Brian Dawkins, Reynaldo Hill, Andre’ Goodman, Ronald Fields, Chris Baker, Andra Davis among others really caught my eye.  While most people think we have not done enough to upgrade a horrendous defense, I thought we did. 

See I thought that what the defense needed all along was a scheme change, and I’m not referring to the type of scheme change that happened when we got rid of Coyer and brought in Bates, I mean a switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4.  Contrary to popular believe, we do have the pieces for that kind of defense.

I will proceed to break down each position and point out the leading candidate so far (in my opinion of course, the only one who knows in the end is the coach).

We will start with the nose tackle.  While some believe that this the most important position in the 3-4 and unless you have an experienced and stud nose tackle you will never succeed in executing this defense, I tend to disagree. 

Not completely of course, I think that both the ILB positions and the nose tackle are the most important positions in this scheme.  When it comes to a nose tackle you need size, strength, quickness, vision and the ability to shed blockers. 

I believe we have that player in camp already.  The Broncos pursued Chris Baker heavily outta collage for a reason, he has the size 6’2″ 326 lbs, the lateral quickness, the vision, the ability to shed, but most importantly he has experience. 

He played the position in college, granted it was only for a year but I have looked at tape from the university of Hampton and I must say I am impressed.  The kid possesses all the tools be a stud nose tackle for years to come.

Many people believe that Ronald Fields was brought in to be the starter, I dissagree.  I believe he was brought in to be the back up and someone who can help Chris along in learning the Mike Nolan system. 

Starter: Chris Baker, back up: Ronald Fields.

Now lets talk DE.  This is a position that we actually have very good prospects in.  I believe that the front runners are, Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson.  While some might say Thomas is better suited for NT, Lets think about this for a second. 

To play NT you need to anchor and two gap, same thing for a DE in a 3-4, with the exception that in obvious pass situations, the DE will be asked to actually rush the passer.  This plays to Thonas’ strength. 

While in college Thomas would penetrate the pocket and attack the QB from the inside, this unfortunately has not translated to the NFL yet.  He has all the tools to be a five technique DE in the 3-4.  Marcus can use his quick first step, while the NT draws the double team, to rush the QB.

While Peterson seems to be the incumbent, do not be surprised to see rookie Everette Pedescleaux take over some time during the season.  Everette has the size 6’6″ 305 lbs, strength, toughness and quickness to the ball to be the starter.  He is also great against the run as well as Marcus. 

Starters: Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson/Everette Pedescleaux, Back ups: Carlton Powell and Mathias Askew.

Which brings me to the OLB spots.I believe Elvis Dumervil will make the successful switch to a 3-4 outside linebacker and Robert Ayers will also make a successful transition.  They both posses the speed and strength to be pass rushers in this type of scheme. 

Now, Robert did play ,some, standing up at Tennessee so, while the speed of the game and the size of the playbook might overwhelm him to start the season, I think he will be just fine.  The numbers might not be there right away, but they will come. 

Now let’s talk Elvis, he will probably be coming from the blind side of the quaterback.  We all know that elvis has the speed and strength to get to the QB, the question is, can he go out and cover?  The answer, yes.  He can drop back in coverage, but I think a zone suits him best. 

Starters: Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers, Back ups: Tim Crowder, Jarvis Moss.

DJ Williams will play one of the ILB positions that is guaranteed barring injury, and the other will be played by Andra Davis, but eventually he will be replaced by Wesley Woodyard, I believe this is why they kept him.  While some of you might wonder if Wesley can handle and shed blocks from guards?

The answer is yes, but not as you might think.  Wesley is extremely quick and fast for his size 6’1″ 240 lbs he will beat blockers with his speed.  You might ask, is that big enough to play ILB in a 3-4? 

Once again the answer is yes, that is the same size as some of the better 3-4 ILB today.  We all know that DJ can play any LB position so he will be great as usual.

Starters: DJ Williams and Andra Davis/Wesley Woodyard, Backups:  Boss Bailey and Wesley Woodyard/Andra Davis/Jeff schweiger.

DBs is where our strength (as of now) is.  Andre’ Goodman will start opposite future HOF Champ Bailey.  These two WILL form a formidable tandem.  Unlike Bly, Goodman ‘s skills have not diminish at all.  Opposite a healthy Champ anyone can look bad, so look for Goodman to give us a very consistent performance week in and week out. 

The X factor here is Smith, he will not, of course, over take Champ, but he might be able to challenge Goodman for playing time.  He reminds MCD (and me) a lot of Asante Samuel, small, speedy corners with great instincts, (even though both slipped in the draft due to size and bad 40s). 

Barring injury I think Goodman will beat out Smith and start opposite Champ.

Starters:  Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, Back ups:  Alphonso Smith and Jack Williams/Joshua Bell

Now the Gems of our defensive Backfield the safeties.  Brian Dawkins still has juice left in the tank, and now a need to prove it.  Reynaldo Hill is no superstar, but he is consistent and more than productive. 

These two, however, have been brought in to teach.  Seeing how Dawkins is in his mid 30s and Hill is in his early 30s, they brought them in for consistency and mentoring.  Who you might ask?  Josh Barrett and Darcel McBath. 

The coaching staff likes both very much, even though Barrett was drafted by the previous administration, MCD likes him a lot.  He likes his speed, instincts and hitting. 

McBath is here to learn from Dawkins, the young one is fast and hits hard, and Dawkins will teach him how to direct those hits and read the offense. 

David Bruton was selected in the fourth round of the draft, he will be a ST ace and will push Barrett but not beat him out.  Neither Barrett or McBath will see the starters roll, barring injury of course, at least not this year.  They are to sit and learn from two of the best in the business.

Starters:  Brian Dawkins and Reynaldo Hill, Back ups:  Josh Barrett and Darcel McBath.

Well this is the end of my report, hope you all like it. 

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