Broncos Should Look At Taking Denzel Perryman

Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are in need of some linebacker help during the offseason. If what Wade Phillips said about the team being more aggressive on defense is true, then look no further than drafting Miami inside linebacker Denzel Perryman.

With the Broncos transitioning to a 3-4 defense in 2015, Denzel Perryman would be the perfect player for the team as he worked in a 3-4 with the University of Miami Hurricanes in his four years in college football. He’s a hard hitting machine that normally does not need assistance in tackling his opponents because one hit from Denzel Perryman puts them on the ground right off the bat.

His combine performance was not too bad either. He recorded a 4.78 40, bench pressed 27 reps (which was the best among all players at his position) and completed the vert jump and broad jump at 32 and 113 inches respectively. He measured at the combine at 5 feet 11 inches and weighed 236 pounds. His arm length and hands are really solid at 31 7/8 inches and 9 ½ respectively.

The one thing that impressed me the most about Denzel Perryman was his aggressive style of play. He hits hard and is not afraid to do so. His highlights have shown that he has a knack for finding an open seam in the offensive line and attacking it, which results in the ball carrier meeting him head on, and that normally does not end well for the ball carrier. If an offensive lineman were to attempt to block him, he has the ability to shed away quickly and continue on his route towards the ball.

Sometimes Denzel Perryman hits an opponent so hard that he can cause a fumble, which would really benefit the Denver Broncos. The team had 15 forced fumbles in 2014 and could be looking to add to that total in the near future if they decide to draft him.

His only key weakness is his inability in pass coverage. That could be a huge factor to most teams drafting a linebacker, but normally that comes with time for a player. However, in a 3-4 defense, the Broncos could use him to just look out for the running game or get to the quarterback. But if John Elway would want a player to be able to cover all the bases of their game, they will want to work on his pass protection.

The Broncos are looking to add some toughness to their defense and with how much of an impact Denzel Perryman made in college, the team will be looking to add that kind of aggressive play style to the team and turn them into another Orange Crush defense.