Broncos Late-Round Rookies That Could Challenge for Roster Spots

6th round DT Darius Kilgo (6’3 319), Maryland

2014 stats: 43 tackles, 2 sacks

Games evaluated: @ Syracuse, Iowa

Strengths: Has long, strong arms to create occasional push in the passing game. Shows good effort for a player his size, often working down the line and chasing ball carriers far away from the snap. Very aware of what happens in the backfield; sticks his arms up when the pass is thrown. Rarely gets pushed backward one-on-one.

Weaknesses: Lower body strength is on the weaker side. Gets his shoulders turned too often and gets washed out. Will stop moving his feet on contact at times and will end up on the ground even if he wins the leverage battle. Plays with a high pad level too often. As with many players his size, he seems to wear down as the game goes along. Needs to improve his hand technique and means of beating his man. Doesn’t stand a chance against double teams.

Roster outlook: Ahead of Kilgo are projected starting nose tackle Sylvester Williams and Marvin Austin. That doesn’t seem like much of an uphill hike, but also consider that he’s a two-down player at best right now with guys like Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson that can player inside on certain downs. Kilgo is also most likely just a one-gap player, but that’s okay in Wade Phillips’s defensive scheme. He won’t beat out any of the veteran defensive linemen on this team, but if the Broncos decide to go with three nose tackles, Kilgo will likely be called upon.