Predominantly Orange » jamal williams

John Fox Names Running Back the Broncos’ “Number One Priority” in Free Agency

Zach Grove — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:52 +0000

Denver Broncos head coach John Fox made some interesting remarks last week in his discussion with Woody Paige, summarized here on the Denver Post website. Fox garnered attention amidst the news-starved world of the NFL lockout with his comment that he already has an idea who will win the starting quarterback job in 2011. Broncos fans will agree that the downtrodden franchise needs a quarterback who thrives in the clutch. Not all fans will agree, however, with another statement Fox confided: that the Broncos’ top priority in free agency will be at the running back position.

Knowshon Moreno has yet to fulfill high expectations in the NFL as the #12 overall pick. Photo by US Presswire.

Passing on defensive tackle Marcell Dareus with the #2 overall pick in the 2010 draft surprised many fans and analysts alike. Arguably, the recent firings of former offensive-minded coaches Mike Shanahan and Josh McDaniels were indirectly caused by their refusal to invest high draft picks on the defensive line. John Elway and co. passed on picking young defensive tackle help for the remainder of this past April’s draft.

As if this wasn’t troubling enough, Fox’s recent comment begs the question, “What will it take for defensive tackle to finally become the Broncos’ #1 priority?” The Broncos were statistically the worst defense in the league last year. Much of that had to do with the defensive line getting consistently pushed back off the ball.

(more…)

Broncos Re-Sign Vickerson To Two-Year Deal

Dustin Davis — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:09:48 +0000

The Denver Broncos have re-signed defensive end Kevin Vickerson to a two-year contract extension. The late night deal came just hours after the team released fellow defensive lineman Jamal Williams and Justin Bannan.

Vickerson was signed by the Broncos a few days before the start of the 2010 season. In 15 games played last season, Vickerson recorded 42 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.

Follow Dustin on Twitter.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook.

Broncos Release Justin Bannan And Jamal Williams

Christopher McLean — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:59:39 +0000

The Denver Broncos have announced that they have released defensive lineman Jamal Williams and defensive lineman Justin Bannan. Bannan, who came to Denver last season from Baltimore, started all 16 games for the Broncos last year and registered 35 tackles with one sack and one forced fumble. Williams came to Denver from San Diego and also started all 16 games for the Broncos. He registered 47 tackles.

These moves come only a day after the Broncos chose to part ways with tight end Daniel Graham. Earlier today the Broncos also waived running back Laurence Maroney.

With the move to John Fox’s 4-3 defense, the Broncos may have found that keeping a nose tackle and a five-technique didn’t make sense at the prices that they were paying for them.

Williams was due a $1 million bonus on the third day of league year to go with his $4.2 million salary. Bannan was due a $500,000 bonus on two days later in addition to his $3.5 million salary.

The Broncos appear to be shaking up their roster, and while both players could conceivable resign with the Broncos at a reduced price, it would likely have to come after a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is met, as the current one is scheduled to expire at 11:59 P.M. EST today.

The Broncos have admitted that the defensive side of the ball will receive special attention this off-season, so this could be just the beginning of a handful of moves the Broncos might make while reshaping their roster. It definitely makes the defensive tackle position a higher priority at the second overall pick in the draft.

Stay tuned for more information.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook.