Denver Broncos: Derrek Tuszka oozes with potential

In the Denver Broncos NFL Draft this year it seems they collected talent and one player might sneak on the roster.

The seventh round of an NFL Draft is where diamonds in the rough are found. It is where players fall through the cracks of scouting reports or were not seen fully. North Dakota State’s Derrek Tuszka fits this category.

Granted, we do not necessarily know if teams knew much about Tuszka. We are living in a strange world in 2020 right now. One thing is for certain with Tuszka. Tuszka should have been drafted higher than the seventh round.

There is a clear pass rusher talent that jumps off the page making him a possible final roster candidate.

North Dakota State is well known for its multiple FCS Championships, Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Carson Wentz, and much more. The Bison are dynasty that took the national stage with Craig Bohl who later became the head coach of Wyoming.

Tuszka may have enough talent to etch his name on the list of special players to come through the halls of that program. One of the first traits that jumps off the page very quickly in studying Tuszka is raw speed off the edge. Despite the competition not being SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and others, Tuszka played the way he needed to against the opponents he was facing.

Tuszka was the JJ Watt of that league. That is certainly an eye-popping statement and in no way comparing him to Watt as it pertains to the NFL level. Yet, Tuszka still dominated every challenge he faced. This challenge of course is sacking and pressuring quarterbacks.

The other plus trait of Tuszka is he is relentless. He has a nonstop motor who has no off switch.

Tuszka’s pass rush skill set puts him in a category where he could succeed in the NFL. Like rebounding in the NBA, if players can prove to show an array of moves to pressure quarterbacks, they translate well. The simple fact that Tuszka has this high motor and speed is a good sign he can translate to the next level.

Of course, the separation of good to great and great to the elite is the ability to change up the routine to keep tackles off balance. If Tuszka proves regularly he is keeping the tackles on their toes (or heels), then he will show he belongs in the NFL.

Another fantastic trait Tuszka uses is his hands. The hands help create leverage. This could help him put tackles on their backside frequently to where he can keep tackles off balance.

Adding weight is certainly where Tuszka will need to work on if he can assure he can take on the punishment of 300-pound tackles regularly. However, to what is mentioned above, it won’t matter if he is using the right amount of leverage. If Tuszka has a strong base to use hands appropriately, then he is a force in pass-rush opportunities.

Tuszka’s spot on the roster may have opened with Justin Hollins taking snaps at inside linebacker along with Justin Strnad’s injury. Outside linebacker or being a speed rusher is one of the strongest areas he might make a strong case to be on the final roster.

In my opinion, Tuszka may not make the initial 53-man roster, but he will make a strong case to where practice squad is not an option. If Tuszka is placed there, then there’s a chance he could be poached by another team. The minute that happens is when the dream of him in a Denver Broncos uniform is shattered.

With players like Malik Reed, Jeremiah Attaochu, and others vying for a spot, Denver will have a tough choice. Tuszka has an uphill battle; however, he is too talented to be ignored.