Denver Broncos must replace top special teams contributor
The Denver Broncos must replace their top special teams contributor from 2016, Dekoda Watson. Who will step up now that he’s departed?
The Denver Broncos will have a new leader in special teams snaps in 2017 after the departure of free agent linebacker Dekoda Watson. With Watson off to the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos have to find someone to replace 396 special teams plays and a player who played 84.43 percent of the special teams plays.
Here are the Broncos’ top five players from 2016 in terms of special teams plays:
Dekoda Watson – 396
Will Parks – 344
Corey Nelson – 297
Justin Simmons – 283
Shaquil Barrett – 274
The 396 special teams snaps played by Watson last season spread out over 16 games equate to about 25 plays per game. That’s a significant chunk of plays, and the Broncos will need someone capable to step up into that spot.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
Will Parks obviously will continue to play a big role on special teams and Corey Nelson isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but the Broncos also brought in Kasim Edebali from the New Orleans Saints.
Edebali played 281 snaps on special teams last year, and 329 the year prior. He has had success in the NFL playing a very similar role to the one Watson played last year. His signing was underrated this offseason but I think the Broncos may have a gem on their hands.
Not only is Edebali a capable reserve edge rusher, he might be the team’s top special teams ace moving forward. In 2015, he led the Saints in special teams snaps and also contributed five sacks as a backup. That type of production would ideally be what the Broncos are getting this year.
So far this offseason, he’s been working on getting back to full health:
"“Kasim hadn’t been healthy all offseason, so he’s working his way back. He’s probably 85 percent healthy right now. He’s a guy we signed because he can rush the passer. That’s what we’ve seen. He’s a relentless rusher on the pass down. Then he’s a big body when he’s on the edge and in the run game. He’s a guy that’s going to have to step up until [OLB] Shaq [Barrett] returns.”Vance Joseph (Quotes obtained via Denver Broncos PR)"
With Barrett out due to injury, the importance of Edebali’s presence on the roster is twofold. Hopefully the Broncos will return to full strength quickly at the outside linebacker position, but it seems like no matter what Edebali is going to be playing a significant role for this team, at least in the third phase.