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Evaluating the Denver Broncos: Defensive Line

By Tylor Walden

Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar calls out in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Texans defeated the Broncos 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans defensive line coach Bill Kollar calls out in the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Texans defeated the Broncos 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kenny Anunike
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Kenny Anunike (91) signs jerseys before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Backup Defensive Ends

Kenny Anunike

If there is one player who has quite a bit of bad luck on the roster currently, it is undrafted free agent Kenny Anunike. After being signed by the Denver Broncos after the 2014 NFL Draft, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a elbow injury.

2015 was primed for him to have a solid year. However, the injury bug bit him once again and while there was some optimism for the Duke star, he was once again forced to miss the entire season.

This could be a big year for Kenny Anunike with Malik Jackson now in Jacksonville. Broncos fans have seen what he can do during the preseason. Last year, he was a beast and it seemed as the preseason went along, he would be placed on the final roster.

The saying goes that the third time is the charm, so let us hope that Anunike will be able to play a huge part in the Broncos defense in 2016.

Jared Crick

This name will sound familiar with Gary Kubiak. He was one of the players that the coach drafted during his time as head coach for the Houston Texans. Jared Crick has recorded 141 tackles in his career and 5.5 sacks.

The number that jumps out at me that could really help out the Broncos defense is the passes defended. He has done so 12 times in his career. Being able to bat the ball down at the line of scrimmage is perhaps one of the most underrated stats in the game. It prevents a potential big play from happening.

Having Jared Crick on key situations like a third down could be the difference for this defense in a big way.

Adam Gotsis

When Adam Gotsis was drafted by the Denver Broncos this offseason, most considered the move very questionable because of where he was ranked on the draft board. But I honestly think Kubiak got a steal with this pick.

His story is quite remarkable too as he spent time playing football in Australia which led him to signing to play college football at Georgia Tech.

He is currently recovering from a torn ACL, so it maybe some time until we see Adam Gotsis playing at full speed, but once he is good to go, I think this will one of the better draft picks that John Elway has had.

The other defensive ends Eddie Yarbrough (Wyoming) and Calvin Heurtelou (University of Miami) are college free agents that signed with the Denver Broncos. Both players I can see as practice squad participants.

Next: Backup DT's

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