State of the Roster – Defensive Tackle

With the long offseason ahead, BroncoTalk begins its look forward to the 2008 season by looking at the current state of the Broncos roster, position by position. We’ll take a look at the players signed through 2008, and give you our opinion on the need this position represents for the Broncos this offseason. Today we’re looking at defensive tackle. Enjoy.

Eyebrows were raised when the Denver Broncos traded away Gerard Warren weeks before the season was set to begin. It appears now that those raised eyebrows were justified – the Broncos’ defensive tackle situation was horrible all year long. Sam Adams was never brought in to be a starter, but start he did for several weeks before he was released in November. The Broncos had to rely on a 4th round rookie Marcus Thomas to anchor the interior defensive line, a tall task for a young player who had been out of football for nearly a year. Many argue this is the Broncos’ biggest need this offseason, and it’s hard to disagree. If I had to guess now, I’d say that this position is the most likely to be addressed come draft day.

Marcus Thomas

Contract Status: Signed through 2010.

Thomas is a freak of nature. How many 300-plus pound linemen do you know that can perform backflips at any given moment? That’s Thomas for you. He’s the only player on the roster that is a lock for either 2008 or beyond. In his rookie season, Thomas played well, all things considered. I expect big things from him in they years to come.

In 2007: Thomas finished the year with 20 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble. He showed disruption at the line of scrimmage and was usually the only threat to come from the interior defensive line.

In 2008: Having a playmaker opposite Thomas would do wonders for him. He has the physical tools to be a star in this league. Constantly fighting double teams would hinder his growth and disrupt his confidence. He also needs to make sure he doesn’t get too comfortable and slip back into his old bad habits off the field with marijuana. I expect him to make strides in 2008, and if he can find help at the other DT spot, the sky’s the limit for this kid.

Alvin McKinley

Contract Status: Signed through 2010

If the presence of any one player on the field was an indicator that Jim Bates‘ system had all but been abandoned in Denver, it was Alvin McKinley. At under 300 lbs., McKinley didn’t feature the girth Bates was looking for. Yet McKinley earned the starting job shortly after Sam Adams was let go.

In 2007: McKinley registered 2.5 sacks throughout the course of the year, tallying 14 tackles and a forced fumble as well. He began the year as the third string DT and moved up the depth chart.

In 2008: He may or may not be on the team. I think he stays and gets a chance in the new system, but he’s not the type of guy who excels as a starter.

Josh Mallard

Contract Status: Signed through 2008

Josh Mallard is the rare diamond in the rough, a clear example of another’s trash being our treasure. The Broncos picked him up off the streets midseason and Mallard immediately made an impact. Playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, Mallard either showed his merit or showed how weak our defensive line was at the time. Or maybe a little of both.

In 2007: He played the last eight games for the Broncos, registering his 3.5 sacks in the last four games. In his first game as a Bronco, having just been picked up off the street, Mallard played extensively, and would continue to make his mark in the games to follow.

In 2008: Details for his contract were not disclosed, but I get the feeling it was a deal just to finish the season. He’s earned himself a new one, and will add valuable depth to both defensive end and defensive tackle next year for Denver.

Kenny Peterson

Contract Status: Signed through 2008

After serving a four-game suspension, Peterson was released by the Broncos in early October. He found himself back on the squad a short time later and played a limited role in the Broncos defensive end rotation. He also saw time at defensive tackle.

In 2007: His topsy-turvy year saw him in, suspended, out, then back in. He registered one sack along the way.

In 2008: His status is up in the air. I’m guessing he won’t be a Bronco next year.

Steven Harris

Contract Status: Unknown (believed signed through 2008)

Harris is an undrafted rookie free agent out of Florida who lined up opposite his former teammate Thomas for the final four games of the year.

In 2007: All things considered, Harris played well in those four games. He’s still raw and has a lot of developmental work before he can be considered a starter. He finished the year with five tackles and a fumble recovery.

In 2008: Will be fighting for a roster spot in training camp. If he doesn’t make the 53-man group he’d likely be stored back on the practice squad.

Others on the roster
Antwon Burton started the year on the roster – he now finds himself signed to a future contract with the club. He’ll need to perform better to stay signed. Also signed to a future contract is Michael Bozeman.

Looking at Lower Elevations

Who could help us out of Denver? Let’s take a look.

Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans – Wake up, people. There’s no way the Titans let this guy hit the open market.

Corey Williams, UFA, Green Bay Packers – Williams is a disruptive force inside for the Packers’ defensive line. He will garner much attention across the league, and the Packers are deep enough at DT where they could afford to let him go. If we’re going to go after the defensive line in free agency, this is where I’d like to see us go.

Shaun Rogers, Trade, Detroit Lions – Rumors abound that Rogers is on the trade block, and he may even be released if there are no decent suitors. After completely dominating the line of scrimmage against the Broncos, Rogers (and the rest of the Lions defense) fell apart to end the year. Health and weight issues are major concerns as well.

The Draft – While Glenn Dorsey almost certainly won’t be available at the 12 slot, USC DT Serick Ellis might just be. There are plenty more names to discuss in the months ahead, as well. If the Broncos don’t address their defensive tackle situation in March expect them to hit it hard in April.

The Bottom Line

Signed Through 2008: At least 6
Offseason Priority: Very High