Broncos New 3-4 Defense Could Benefit Derek Wolfe
By Tylor Walden
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Wolfe has been one of the more quiet players on the Denver Broncos defense. With names like Von Miller, Chris Harris, and Demarcus Ware on the roster that is expected. However, something tells me that Derek Wolfe could thrive in the new defense set by Wade Phillips.
Going back to his college days in Cincinnati, he was part of a 3-4 defense. During the four years he played in college, Derek Wolfe accumulated over 160 tackles and nearly 20 sacks. Those are some pretty impressive numbers for a defensive end. Not to mention Derek Wolfe was Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year during his final collegian season.
During his three years with the Denver Broncos, Derek Wolfe has been able to accumulate 90 tackles, 11.5 sacks and three deflected passes. Those are some pretty solid numbers for a guy who has only been in the league for three years under a new defense. If he were to get back into rhythm and get readjusted back to the 3-4 defense that he grew accustomed to in college, those numbers could nearly grow twice as fast. If he was pretty solid as a 4-3 defensive end, imagine him as a 3-4 defensive end. Those numbers have a chance to skyrocket.
Derek Wolfe has had quite an up and down NFL career up to this point. His rookie year was great and then dealt with a difficult sophomore year with the spinal cord injury and seizure episode. His third year saw a bit of a decline. If there is one player who is poised for a bounce-back, perhaps even a career year, it is Derek Wolfe once he is lined up in the 3-4 defense.
His speed and ability to break off the blocks gives him a great advantage, even when an offensive lineman has him in his grasp. He has the abilities to make solid plays and I would not be surprised if I heard more of the name Derek Wolfe during the 2015 season.