Justin Bannan Would Fit The Broncos’ Need For Depth At DT

With the quarterback cyclone settling enough that we can continue to look at the other positional needs of the Denver Broncos, let’s focus on the biggest area of concern for the team: defensive tackle.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reported that Justin Bannan was in town visiting Dove Valley.  With the Broncos losing their bid to retain over-achieving Brodrick Bunkley, the defensive line has to be priority number one in the weeks leading up to the draft.

Simply put, the Broncos need to ensure they have depth at this position.  While their 25th pick in the draft is largely expected to be used on one of the numerous quality tackles such as Michael Brockers, Jerel Wrothy, Kendall Reyes, and Devon Still, having versatility will be the key to shoring up the position that had sandbagged the Broncos’ defense over the past few years.

As it stands, Kevin Vickerson and Ty Warren will be coming back from injured reserve, but Vickerson only appeared in five games while Warren hasn’t played in two years due to injuries.  Marcus Thomas remains unsigned, leaving a suspended Ryan McBean, Jeremy Jarmon, Mitch Unrein, and Sealver Siliga left on the roster.  Last year’s group was already walking the razor’s edge before Bunkley departed.  If Thomas follows, the line will essentially come down to how two recovering veteran players and a draft pick perform.  Hence the need for quality depth.

Bannan was a starter for the Broncos in its 3-4 scheme in 2010 and a starter for the St. Louis Rams last year in a 4-3 scheme and could immediately contribute to a group needing as many reinforcements as it can get, especially in the run defense department.

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