Broncos Should Look at DT Grady Jackson

Careful, Reggie Bush, or Jackson might eat you.

In a surprise move, the Atlanta Falcons released defensive tackle Grady Jackson yesterday (report). The 11-year veteran is a run-stopping specialist who measures in at a beefy 6-2, 350 lbs. His resume is impressive, including leading the league in tackles for loss as recently as last year.

The move is speculated to come in wake of Jackson’s lawsuit against the Falcons this offseason. Ultimately the suit was settled over training camp. Coach Bobby Petrino is expected to explain the move today.

My opinion? Assuming two things: 1. Jackson is healthy, and 2. Jackson is not retiring, the Broncos should definitely pursue the big guy to help our run defense where it’s needed most – at the line of scrimmage.

As good a win as we had Sunday, our defensive tackle rotation is probably the worst I’ve seen from the Broncos, ever. You could visibly see original starting DTs Amon Gordon and Sam Adams getting manhandled out there, and offensive linemen had no trouble getting to the second level and getting in D.J. Williams‘ face. Sunday was better (how about that Alvin McKinley), but it still wasn’t great as the Steelers had no trouble wiping a 14-point lead away.

Add the fact that from 2004-2005, Jackson was a member of the Green Bay Packers, coached by current assistant coach Jim Bates, and you literally have a match made in heaven. The learning curve would be low – in fact, he’d be the most seasoned in the scheme and would be giving everyone else pointers before needing assistance from them.

He’s on waivers, meaning the Broncos would have to put in a bid and hope no one else selects him ahead of us (the waiver order is the same as the 2007 NFL draft order, so Oakland would get first chance, then Detroit, etc.). If he clears waivers he can then sign with anyone.

Sign him, Shanahan. Release Burton or Gordon (who was deactivated) or even loudmouth Rice, I don’t care. He has the size and ability to be the best run-stopping defensive tackle on our roster, and that’s simply not something we can afford to pass up.