Can Mike Purcell have a rebound year for the Denver Broncos?
Despite speculation that Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mike Purcell is on the roster bubble, could he actually have a rebound year instead?
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mike Purcell played in just six games during the 2020 season before suffering a Lisfranc injury. He followed it up by playing in 13 games in 2021.
Unfortunately, he just has not looked like the same player we know he can be.
Purcell is not known to have a high sack total during a season. Instead, he’s more of a run defender. That’s not to say that the new coaching staff can’t bring more out of him.
Could they actually bring out a fight from Purcell resulting in a higher sack total? Purcell has just two sacks in his NFL career.
I understand that Purcell could be outplayed in training camp and ultimately released. However, what if he’s not? I could see Evero finding a place for Purcell despite the presence of D.J. Jones, who the team signed this offseason.
Evero’s former team, the Los Angeles Rams, have the best defensive tackle in the league in Aaron Donald, who has not put up less than eight sacks in a single season throughout his NFL career.
I’m not comparing Purcell to Donald—I’m simply stating that Evero can put players in position to succeed.
Despite Donald’s consistent on-field presence, the Rams were able to get 4.5 sacks from a different defensive tackle: Greg Gaines. Gaines had 1.5 sacks the previous year and 0.5 sacks the year before that.
Another player that could prevent Purcell from seeing the field is rookie
Eyioma Uwazurike, but that’s not a guarantee. That’s going to be a fun battle to watch during training camp.
I still think that there is a spot for Purcell on this team. If he does not work out this season, the team could cut him in 2023 while taking on a dead cap hit of only $774,167. If he proves to be an asset during the 2022 season, he may extend his career with the Denver Broncos.