Predominantly Orange
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Denver Broncos: Defensive linemen team could still sign after losing out on big names

By Travis Wakeman

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Defensive Tackle Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Michael Pierce

Michael Pierce had a tough road to get to the NFL after going undrafted out of Samford, but he made the roster of the Baltimore Ravens in 2016 and has become a consistent player on the team’s defense.

He has played in 60 games for the team in four seasons and while his statistics are not going to jump off the page, he fills his role well and could bring that consistency and durability to the Broncos.

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Pierce is not going to get after the quarterback (he only has 3.5 career sacks) but that is not what the Broncos are going to be fishing for at this point in free agency. The team has a slew of draft picks and will need to find at least one pass-rushing defensive lineman in the selection process.

In Pierce, the Broncos would be getting a 27-year old player who can clog up the middle, take on and push back blockers and open up chances for guys like Von Miller and Bradley Chubb to make plays. A guy like Pierce who can do that well goes unnoticed on the stat sheet but is invaluable to the style of defense that Fangio runs.

Pierce may cost a bit more than Joseph but that is because he is four years younger. He has starting experience in the league and is solid in defending the run.

That is the kind of player the Broncos need and if the team is going to sign someone on the market that isn’t a player they had last year, it should be Pierce.

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