New DE Jeremy Mincey Can Have Big Impact on Broncos Defensive Line

Dec 23, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots Tom Brady (12) is pressured by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Jeremy Mincey (94) during the first half of the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

It’s rare that heading into week 16 of an NFL season your team could make a free agent acquisition that could actually have a significant impact, which is why the addition of Jeremy Mincey has pretty much been written off for the Broncos.

What I’m here to tell you is, this is not a typical late-season pickup that might come as a result of an injury or something like that. The reason why this is rare is because even though the Broncos are struggling with injuries on the defensive line to guys like Derek Wolfe and Kevin Vickerson, adding the former Jaguars DE was an opportunity to upgrade the roster, not just to fill in for injured players.

The Broncos have now signed two former Jack Del Rio pupils from his time with the Jaguars along the defensive line, pairing Mincey with fellow former Jag Terrance Knighton. Back in 2011, Mincey enjoyed a career year with Del Rio as one of his guides, notching eight sacks and really looking like a player on the rise.

But, his relationship with the Jaguars soured, to the point where he was allegedly late for meetings and subsequently cut from the team. A free agent for the first time, Mincey had plenty of attention around the league, including getting calls from the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys in addition to the Broncos.

“Now that I’m actually in a position to actually win, it inspires me even harder. I’ve got a great group of me. I mean, a great group,” Mincey said. “They welcomed me in with open arms, and we’re all on the mission to the do the same thing – and that’s get to the next level, and I think you all know what that is.”

Obviously the Broncos are heading to the playoffs as one of the top contenders in the NFL for this year’s Super Bowl trophy. Mincey didn’t exactly leave Jacksonville on the best of terms which some people would question, but he’s not getting any younger and the Jaguars have been the only team he’s played for. Rebuilding was not really something that motivated him.

“I feel like it was destiny, really. I was going through a lot, and I knew my potential. I just couldn’t show it while I was there,” Mincey said. “I’m glad the off switch came and I fell off the treadmill. I feel like things happen for a reason, and this, really, was fate.”

Whatever the consequence that brought Mincey to Denver, I think you’re going to see him play a significant amount and have an impact on the Denver defense right away.