Jul 25, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins nose tackle Barry Cofield (96) and Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) participate in drills during practice on day three of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos are transitioning to the 3-4 defense. The biggest issue for the team is the nose tackle position. With Terrance Knighton moving on to Washington, there is a former player from that team that could provide depth for the Broncos. Barry Cofield could be a solid option.
Looking at the current roster for the Denver Broncos, the team only has two true nose tackles, Sylvester Williams and Darius Kilgo. Williams was drafted by the Broncos back in 2013 and has a lot to prove this season. He was not the most reliable option for the team as it appeared that he struggled.
Darius Kilgo is a rookie who was drafted in the sixth round. He has a lot of upside, but my question is how much are the Broncos willing to let him start this early. I have a feeling that they would want to give him a year to sit and learn the system first.
Having only two options as a nose tackle is not a good sign for a team that wants to make it to the Super Bowl. Depth is going to play a huge part for the Broncos this season and it is going to be important to have a solid amount of players and back ups in order to provide a solid team.
If the Broncos are looking to add another nose tackle for depth and who has experience in the new defense, Barry Cofield might be the player for the job. While he still is recovering from hip surgery, Barry Cofield should hopefully come back stronger than before.
Free agent DT Barry Cofield has torn hip labrum repaired, expects to be ready for a training camp. http://t.co/SZcR6XPUFD
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 7, 2015
Why do I think Barry Cofield would be a solid option for the Broncos? For starters, he is familiar in the 3-4 defense as he was part of the system for Washington. Barry Cofield originally was a defensive tackle in the 4-3 when he played with the New York Giants, but made such a smooth transition to the 3-4 defense while with Washington. During his first season in the 3-4, Barry Cofield recorded 25 tackles, three sacks, and eight passes defended.
Barry Cofield also brings the veteran presence to the nose tackle position. With both Sylvester Williams and Darius Kilgo under 30 years old, it would benefit the Broncos to have Barry Cofield to help mentor both players. He can also help Sylvester Williams transition to the 3-4 defense since Williams spent his college and professional career in the 4-3 thus far.
The Broncos should look at him once he recovers from his hip surgery. I believe he could really help out once training camp begins.