Day Five: Broncos Training Camp Observations

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Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jared Crick (93) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The loss of Malik Jackson is one of the biggest areas to watch in Training Camp. Jackson played a huge role in the Broncos defense last season, batting balls down and as a multi-talented rusher on the pass and run. Best case scenario may be replace Jackson with two or three players. One player had first team reps today: Jared Crick.

Crick has an unstoppable motor like a Derek Wolfe currently the top player to fill Jackson’s role. Ultimately, Wolfe will be Jackson’s replacement on the line, but the addition will make everyone around the defensive line better. Crick has spent his entire pro and collegiate career with the best defensive players on the planet. During his time at Nebraska, Crick played with Ndamukong Suh who saw his tackles and sack opportunities increase with double teams on Suh. The same thing happened while with Houston. Crick played under Bill Kollar, Wade Phillips and Gary Kubiak on defense with JJ Watt where he would at times cover up for JJ Watt when he was on defense.

The plus about Crick is his unstoppable motor who is not afraid to lay the big hit every now and then. Crick could be the addition like Antonio Smith last year, as an extra pass rusher and run stuffer. The competition is expected to continue throughout camp, but Jared Crick is a name to remember once the opener starts against Carolina.

Next: Ronnie Hillman

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