Broncos Bulk Up Defensive Line

The Broncos have added size on the defensive line. According to Woody Paige,

"“In one year, from March to March, Josh McDaniels has created a new regeneration at Dove Valley. These are not your Shanahan’s Broncos. With the addition of Justin Bannan, Jarvis Green and Jamal Williams — 18 feet, 9 inches high and 880 pounds wide — the Broncos have a fresh starting defensive line.” (Denver Post)"

In addition to adding size, the Broncos have added age and experience as well. The average age of Denver’s defense? 31 years old. The draft is still over a month away, but the team is letting everyone know that priority # 1 is stopping the run. That’s a good thing considering we have the newest Chief RB, Thomas Jones, to deal with twice next season. We also have Michael Bush, Maurice Jones-Drew, and the Titans (2nd in rushing last year) to stop on the ground in 2010.

The Jets were the #1 defense at the end of the regular season last year, so let’s look to Rex Ryan a.k.a. “D-Rex” to see how he changed his defense around last season.

The Jets take a team oriented approach when it comes to defense. Case in point: There was only one Pro Bowl player (Darrelle Revis) from the Jets’ defense. The Broncos had three defensive players selected – Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins, and Elvis Dumervil. Don’t get me wrong, those three deserved it, but overall the Broncos were far from great on defense. It’s better to have a well-rounded defense than just a few superstars putting the effort in on every play.

The Jets employed the 3-4 just like the Broncos, but they were bigger up front. The front three guys for the Jets were 6-3, 305 lbs, 6-5, 285 lbs, and 6-3, 325 lbs. With the new acquisitions, the Broncos have improved their size up front. The size up front allowed the Jets to blitz frequently, and come up with interceptions.

We should be excited about the three new additions up front. Bannan (Ravens), Green (Patriots), and Williams (Chargers) all come from great defensive teams and have much more experience than Ryan McBean, Ronnie Fields, and Kenny Peterson did.

Josh McDaniels admitted to getting behind in the free agency and draft period last season. This year, he’s set in his position as head coach, knows what he had to work with last year, and knows what changes to make for a successful 2010 season.

The Broncos are just getting started this off season. Keep your eyes open for more big changes.