Brodrick Bunkleycomes out to the field before the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

The Broncos took a couple of hard knocks Wednesday, first with the team trading away Tim Tebow, and next with defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley agreeing to a longterm deal with the Sinners Saints.

Bunkley has signed a 5-year deal worth $25 million after posting 43 tackles in 2011. The team really wanted to re-sign Bunkley, but now they will have to cross their hooves and hope that Ty Warren comes back at full strength after missing all of last season.

With Bunkley signing with another team, that pretty much makes it a lock that the team will go with a defensive tackle with their 25th overall pick in the draft.

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Brodrick Bunkley lines up across from Chicago Bears center Roberto Garza. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

Defensive tackle Ty Warren appeared to be the Denver Broncos premiere free agent pick up last offseason. The Broncos needed someone to clog the middle so they brought in a seven year veteran who had experience in the New England Patriot’s system. Warren’s best season came in 2006 when he had 84 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

In August, Warren partially tore his triceps muscle which required season ending surgery. The fuse couldn’t even be lit for this firework of a free agent to explode. His season ended before it really began, in training camp.

Brodrick Bunkley stepped up big time for the void that Warren’s injury left. He had the best season of his NFL career in 2011. He didn’t put up monster stats (43 tackles, no sacks), but he was a significant threat on every play.
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Brodrick Bunkley comes out to the field before the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

The Denver Broncos defensive line was an ailing bunch last season. Ty Warren was placed on injured reserve before week 1, Marcus Thomas missed four games, and Elvis Dumervil missed two games. It became clear that the line needs depth.

Many think that the Broncos should select a defensive lineman with one of their first few selections in the draft. I personally believe that they will, but we can still take a look at the defensive linemen that are out there in free agency.

Defensive Ends:

John Abraham – He had 9.5 sacks in 2011, but he’s 34 years old and no one will want to give him a long term deal. The Falcons had to turn him into a part-time player just to save him for the playoffs.

Cliff Avril – He had 36 tackles and 6 forced fumbles for the Lion in 2011. He’s a guy that knows how to jar a ball loose. The past two seasons, Avril has 19.5 sacks. He has said that he doesn’t want the franchise tag. He wants a long-term deal or he wants to test free agency.
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