Draft ‘07 Update: Tim Crowder

So today we are continuing our review of the 2007 draft by showing you what Kyle and I wrote a year ago as we learned about our second round pick DE Tim Crowder from Texas. As I mentioned yesterday, our biggest need coming into the 2007 season was along our D-line and the Broncos had started out the draft last year with a stunning trade up to get their first Defensive End, Jarvis Moss, in the first round. That move might be debated for some years to come, but both Kyle and I liked the Shanahan’s 2nd round pick straight out of the gate.

Here are some of the comments we made in April of 2007:

KYLE 2007: This is my favorite pick of our draft, simply because Tim Crowder was among the most productive Defensive Ends in the draft; he played at a big time college program, and he’s a character guy with all the intangibles you look for. He’s more poised to start in Week 1 than Moss, but with less upside longterm. He was a steal at 56, especially considering that he isn’t the liability against the run that Moss is at this time. I expect him to start across Ekuban in Week 1 against Buffalo.

JON 2007: I really like what I’ve read about Crowder. He leads by example both on and off the field and has more playing time experience than most DE’s in the draft. These two factors make him a great addition to our team.

So we both mention his college playing experience and production. That’s because Crowder played in ALL 13 games in 2003, he started ALL 12 games in 2004, he started ALL 13 games in 2005 (and won a national championship). And finally he started ALL 13 games last season.

The other thing we mentioned was his character. For a draft that saw two players who received game suspensions during their college career, Crowder stood out as a great example of what a high character guy can bring to a team.

“I think God put me here to play football. But, I also think I am supposed to use that to help other people. If I can be a role model and set a good example, I think that is what I’m supposed to use my talents for.” – Tim Crowder 10/4/06

Were there any downsides considered during the draft? Yeah, Kyle nails what most of his critics were saying in this piece…

KYLE 2007: While his measurables leave something to be desired (you will see that 1st round selection Jarvis Moss is taller, leaner, and quicker), no one can bash his technique, as he has excellent leverage and knows how to maintain his balance. He is also a solid tackler – less of a liability against the run than Jarvis Moss, although his lack of speed could leave him burned at the pro level.

Kyle also mentions that DE Victor Abiamiri went to the Eagles immediately following our pick of Crowder. And in our daily player comparison, we find that Denver’s player wins hands down during their rookie season. Abiamiri played in 6 games (started 1) and had only 3 tackles (2 solo) and no sacks.

So, now let’s look at how Crowder did in his rookie year:

First off he played in 13 games (having been inactive for the first three games due to an ankle injury). During those games he racked up 22 tackles (18 solo), four sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recovers (one returned for a TD).

He ranked 4th in the league among rookies in sacks last year. His impressive prime-time debut on MNF included his 50 yard TD run on the fumble recovery against the Steelers. However, his best game (IMHO) was against KC in Nov. when he recorded 3 solo tackles and a pair of sacks (both in the fourth quarter). The first was a 9-yard loss on third down which forced a punt and the second one was a 12-yard loss on a last ditch fourth down attempt by the Chiefs. This sack led to a turn over on downs and wrapped up the game. In that game he assisted our defense in limiting KC to 67 yards rushing on 22 carries (3 yard average).

So, what can we expect from Crowder in 2008? It’s time to sound off, Bronco Nation!

Does Crowder start across from Elvis this year? Is he just a rotating end? How much of an impact will Jarvis Moss’s return make to Crowder’s playing time?

Let’s hear what you think!

NEXT UP: I get excited about Ryan Harris backing up Lepsis!