Denver’s 2009 Defense, from a Layman’s Perspective

Many writers and commentators on this site, as well as many professional writers have scratched their heads at the Bronco’s draft that took place last weekend. So have I.

One reason that I won’t belate is the fact that offense was addressed more so than defense. The other reason is only one D lineman and no linebackers were taken.

Here is a projection of the front seven on defense:

DE: Tim Crowder

DT: Marcus Thomas/Ron Fields

DE: Kenny Peterson

OLB: Elvis Dumerville

ILB: DJ Williams

ILB: Spencer Larsen/Wesley Woodyard

OLB: Robert Ayers

This takes into account the new 3-4 scheme. Of course, there is going to be competition and a number of other players will come off the bench or be cut.

The downfall of Denver’s defense for the past two years has been an inability to penetrate and collapse the pocket. Opposing running backs have fared quite well while opposing QBs have sat back for eternities in the pocket without any substantial pressure.

Last year, Brady Quinn looked like a five-year veteran and Philip Rivers looked like Joe Montana while facing a very similar defense to the one that will be fielded in 2009.

What perplexes me is how McDaniels/Xanders and company barely addressed this obvious problem during free agency and the draft. There were two free agents that Denver could have gone after who would have made an immediate impact while not breaking the bank too badly: Igor Olshansky and Chris Canty.

Denver didn’t even make a run at these guys. There are too many scenarios in the draft where Denver could have at least have made an attempt to address this problem head-on.

Tyson Jackson was taken off the boards too early to have done anything about it, however, Raji was still on the boards when Jacksonville was drafting. A trade could have been made to keep him out of Green Bay’s hands and into ours.

Additionally, here are some players that were available when Denver had picks in the first two rounds: Peria Jerry, Clay Matthews, Rey Maualuga, Ron Brace, James Laurinaitis. All of these players are either DTs or ILBs.

I question whether the current DTs on this squad will be able to accomplish anything different from last year whether they play in a 3-4 or 4-3. Additionally, because DJ Williams is now forced to be an ILB in the 3-4 scheme, he’s going to be over a guard and will be limited in this role.

He needs to be outside where he can do the most damage and be a true feature player on defense. Lastly, Dumerville, while a great pass rusher, will be forced to cover receivers in the flats as an OLB. This is not his strength. I doubt that Ayers has this ability either.

I’m glad that DB and offense were so lavishly addressed. But it’s just not going to equate to wins next year…

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