Broncos Sign DT Marvin Austin — Reaction and Analysis

Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin (96) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New York Giants 24-21 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Denver Broncos have signed former North Carolina Tar Heels and New York Giants defensive tackle Marvin Austin, per a team report.

This is a very exciting move to me. I realize Austin has done nothing in his NFL career up to this point, after being picked in the 2nd round out of North Carolina, but since John Elway’s first draft with the team, I felt like this guy could fit in and carve out a role.

Austin didn’t play at all in 2011 and then appeared in 8 games in 2012 and three in 2013 before being let go by the Dallas Cowboys. He has also spent a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins.

The track record so far in the NFL for Austin isn’t strong, but he’s got a lot of potential that I think he could definitely still tap into with the right coaching. This is a guy that was, at one point, considered a top five NFL Draft prospect before being suspended in his final season as a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The ‘troubled but talented’ argument got Austin picked in the 2nd round despite his shortcomings, and to be honest with you I was a bit upset in the 2011 draft when he slipped into the 2nd round and the Broncos didn’t take him. They had two picks that year as well.

Since Orlando Franklin and Rahim Moore have been solid for the Broncos, it appears that John Elway knew what he was doing but the team is getting a shot at Austin anyway. He has battled varying injuries in his NFL career, and he’s probably a longshot to make the roster at this point, but I’m glad the Broncos are taking an inexpensive flier on this player.