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Published on 04/16/2008 at Wed Apr 16 11:16.
Tagged: ,,,.



Arguments for Drafting a Defensive Tackle

Posted Wed Apr 16th by

[Sedrick Ellis]

Every weekday leading up to the draft, BroncoTalk is breaking down the Broncos roster and the 2008 draft prospects, position by position. Each day we’ll tell you why we should draft that position in the first round, why we shouldn’t, and then ask you to tell us your thoughts. Today we’re breaking down defensive tackle. Enjoy.

Is there a bigger need for the Broncos than defensive tackle? The only starter set in stone in 2008 is Marcus Thomas… but wait, even he has huge questions surrounding his off field incidents. Being in a vehicle with cocaine, passenger or not, is no way to ensure future seasons in the NFL. Is a league suspension looming? What is to happen with his ever-postponed court date? Can we really count on Thomas being on the roster in 2009? 2008?

Besides Thomas on the depth chart, we have Alvin McKinley and Josh Mallard, who’s a DE/DT hybrid.  Both were serviceable at times last year, but neither can be called a reliable starter.

The need is there, both short term and long term, and when put so blatantly it’s hard to argue it’s not extreme.

Dewayne Robertson has to also be considered a factor here as well.  The trade talks have been going for over a month, and it looks like it will be a draft day trade.  Immediately he would become the best starter at the defensive tackle position, possibly on the defensive line as a whole.

Names to Know: Sedrick Ellis, Kentwan Balmer

Most Likely at 12: Kentwan Balmer

Arguments against drafting a DT, including a breakdown of the “names to know” in this draft, in a little bit.

  • Rick

    My feelings regarding rooting against the Bronc’s is this. I felt that the Raiders could handle matched up against Denver well last year. Consider that Oakland ran the ball. I would hope Denver is not successful in the run defense game. If Denver is able to draft Ellis (I dought it) Balmer(very possible) it would be the worst thing for Oakland in head to head matchups. All the experts say OL for denver but I am more concerned of you shoring up the run with a DT or DE.

  • Barto51

    I do think DT is a big need for the Broncos for the reasons mentioned. I do think if things with Marcus Thomas work out in the Broncos favor and a trade for Dewayne Robertson could help the Broncos with their need. I don’t think the Broncos will be able to get one of the two best DT’s (Dorsey or Ellis) not that they need to if things work out with Thomas and Robertson. I would say look to the second round at these names: Trevor Laws of Notre Dame, Dre Moore of Maryland, Pat Sims of Auburn and Marcus Harrison of Arkansas. Any one of these guys could be the finishing touch to what could be a good young D-Line.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    On the defensive side, we have Corners covered. We have plenty of DE’s. We have added players to compete this year at safety and LB, so that leaves Defensive Tackle as the giant hole in our team’s D.

    And while I’m not opposed to drafting Tackles, I do have to ask this very important question:

    Does anyone truly believe that a rookie DT is the answer we need on the field THIS year for a run at the championship?

    My point is… of all the positions a rookie could be expected to become an immediate impact starter at, DT is among the least likely.

  • kerry

    there isnt any argument to be made. DT is the biggest problem position beside OT. we NEED a DT. the robertson deal may get done before draft day so that may certainly help. but DT is a HUGE NEED. nobody can argue that it isnt.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Jonathan Douglas

    Kerry, you’re 100% right. No one will argue that we don’t need a DT over any other position (with the possible exception of OT you mentioned).

    My concern is that the front office needs to have a plan for 2008. And just drafting a guy (even in the first round) doesn’t give you a championship level D-line THIS year.

    Should we draft a DT (or two)? HECK YES.

    Is that going to be the solution for 2008’s D-line? I doubt it.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Josh Temple

    Robertson will be our stop gap for problems now, drafting high level guys this year will solidify our defensive line for years to come. The more I think about it I like the idea of trading down and taking Balmer with a lower pick to scrape maybe a 3rd rounder up.

  • kerry

    jonathan i completely agree that we do need to draft at least one maybe two. but if the deal for robertson gets done then we can address the DT position later in the draft. the DT class is very deep this year. we hear names like Laws, Morre, Simms in the second round. but there is also Frank Okam, Marcus Harrison, ahtyba rubin, nick hayden that shoud be available in the fourth round. but i think the robertson deal will get done and he would be better then any rookie we can draft and plug in our D-line.

  • Rick

    Remember I said this. oakland will try to run the ball hard. The O line is better,, they have fargus (1000) yards last year, Rhodes, Maybe Mcfadden and the back I think will cause fear in the NFL, Mike Bush. You need a stronger line. I think on average Ol is harder for a rookie to pick up than DL. Especially in denver with the scheme you use.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    You’re right Rick. Oakland started using Denver’s zone blocking scheme and ended up running the ball very well. We need defensive tackles in the worst way.

    But Kentwan Balmer at 12? If it takes that to fix it, is it worth it? I’d rather trade up for Ellis or trade down and nab Balmer.