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Published on 01/08/2009 at Thu Jan 08 11:30.
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2009 Draft: Resurrect the D-Line

Posted Thu Jan 8th by

The Denver Defensive Line had a hard time getting to the quarterback in 2008. The defense only accounted for 26 sacks on the year.

The Denver Defensive Line had a hard time getting to the quarterback in 2008. The defense only accounted for 26 sacks on the year.

Denver understands the importance of an offensive line to anchor an amazing offense, so now it’s about time they reciprocate defensively. How many times this year when Denver was on defense did you find yourself yelling on 3rd down

“GET HIM GET HIM GET HIM!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS!?”

The answer is nearly every 3rd down.

The facts are:

  • Denver got to the passer only 26 times this season
  • Which also ranks 26th in the NFL.
  • The Oakland Raiders had 32 sacks on the year.
  • Even the Detroit Lions had 30.

Taking Action in the Draft

If Denver wants to get to the passer the whole entire D-Line needs some resurrection. The line has a potential star in Marcus Thomas and this 6’3, 305lb, back flippin’ monster needs some help this draft instead of trying to sign the super expensive, injury prone, poor sport Albert Haynesworth.

Enter the potentials.

  • Name: B.J. Raji
  • School: Boston College
  • Standing: Senior
  • Height: 6’1
  • Weight: 323
  • 40 projection: 5.15
  • Pros: This Boston College manbeast eats up blocks like no other. This kid is like having two DTs for the price of one. Mike Mayock ranks him 8th for top senior prospects. Raji is very good at not over pursuing and returning to the ball. He is very versitile and can fit a 4-3 or a 3-4, which is good seeing how the new head coach and defensive coordinator have yet to be hired. Seriously, if you don’t believe me check it here and here.
  • Cons: Raji has encountered some maturity problems, which include being academically ineligible the 2007 season and he was also ejected from a game in 2006 due to throwing a punch. Stamina is also another questionable point of Raji’s game which has lead to some inconsistencies. However, Raji has rebounded to a problem free 2008 season where he has climbed his way to a top 15 pick.

  • Name: Peria Jerry
  • School: Ole Miss
  • Standing: Senior
  • Height: 6’2
  • Weight: 295
  • 40 projection: 4.9
  • Pros: Peria Jerry is known for being extremely versatile, he has played roles at DE, DT, and NT. Jerry has racked up 21 sacks and 32 tackles for a loss in his last two seasons. FFToolbox reports that, “This season Jerry returned a fumble for a touchdown against Vanderbilt and he was credited with the crucial tackle when Mississippi stopped Tim Tebow on a critical fourth-and-one play that preserved an upset win over Florida.”
  • Cons: Jerry has battled a foot injury throughout his career but has stayed healthy for the most of his Junior year and all of his Senior. His weight at 295 could also cause a problem against NFL linemen. Just imagine him trying to get around 325 pound Ryan Clady. Jerry has excellent speed for a DT which enables his pash rushing ability, however, he lacks skill when it comes to run support.
  • Name: Evander Hood
  • School: Missouri
  • Standing: Senior
  • Height: 6’4
  • Weight: 295
  • 40 projection: 5.0
  • Pros: Evander Hood has a great frame to build size for a DT. Hood has played with little to no injury problems throughout his long college career which totalled 50 games. Known to be very quick and cause chaos in the backfield. He is also known as a team leader. Draft Countdown states, “With a solid set of physical tools and top-notch intangibles there really isn’t much not to like about this guy…Might never be a star but will play and contribute in the NFL for a long time.”
  • Cons: Even though Hood has plenty of experience accompanied with solid game time, his production has been average. In his career Hood has only totalled 15 sacks and 23 tackles for a loss.

No Certainty

In the midst of all the turmoil surrounding the head coaching job it is difficult to speculate what angle Denver will attack in the draft. In my opinion a good D-Line can make any defense look great and a lack luster one can make the best defensive backs look like high school freshman.

Denver’s O-Line is one of the youngest and best in the league, exclude Casey Weigmann and Ben Hamilton, and the ages go 22, 23, and 26. Denver has the same chance to reciprocate for the D-Line. Marcus Thomas is 23 and it’s about time they build the line around him. If Denver keeps DeWayne Robertson, remember he is owed 3 million dollars in 2009 and he can’t even pass a physical, he is 27 and Elvis Dumervil is another young player at 24.

Obviously the offense is set up for success, now if Denver can shore up the defense starting with the line, the future could shine bright.

Your Thoughts?

Well thats just what I think. So Denver fans, share your thoughts… what angle should Denver pursue in the 2009 draft?

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  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    Stav – Mauluga is a 3-4 linebacker not a 4-3 so he may not be the best pick.

    You don’t want Haynesworth is only playing for a contract and will suck as soon as he signs a fat one and Peppers was only good when he was on roids.

    And why would you ever start Jamie Winborn on anything else except special teams?

  • http://BroncoTalk.net East

    Jordan – Moreno is an everything runner it’s almost but not quite like when Adrian Peterson came into the NFL everyone just knew hew was going to do big thigs.

    The reason why amazing runners like Chris Wells and Moreno are being taken so low this year is because of the low RB demand of teams. If this was any other year they would go top 5.

  • Stav

    If my choices are Winborn or Boss Bailey, I’ll take Winborn because atleast he’ll be on the field. Honestly, do we have the current personnel for the 3-4 switch? I don’t think so, and one draft won’t provide all the players we need for a successful switch. What do you do with Elvis, Moss, Crowder? Who can successfully make the switch to LB, and what happens to Thomas? I don’t know about this, I still think they stay with the 4-3, bolster D-Line and MLB.

    Listen, if they get to the #48 pick and there’s an RB available who is a can’t miss, fine, twist my arm, I won’t complain, I’ll just close my eyes and repeat Portis-Portis-Portis. But no one can complain when we’re giving up 20+ points a game next year. If they go Defense – RB (depending on the player available) – Defense with the first three picks, I’ll be fine with it, but I’d rather see DL/MLB – DL/MLB – S/RB in the first three picks. I’m much more at ease with going best RB available in the 3rd but I give up, if there’s a game changing RB at #48, get ’em. But you DON’T USE A #12 ON AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER THIS YEAR, regardless of who it could be.

  • http://birty.blogspot.com mikebirty

    yeah i’m not sure i’d take a runner unless one happened to be sitting there in round 2 and was a steal.

    The new coach probably has to find between 4 to 9 defensive starters this off season depending on how pessimistic you are. They either come from outside or by using current players differently. As much as a 1st round running back is needed, there are other areas that need help.

    Plus with mcdaniels and bates running the offense – who thinks we’re going to run the ball at all.

  • Stav

    If they can upgrade three defensive starters, DE, MLB, and Safety, whether by draft (I hope) or free agency, than I’ll be satisfied with the offseason. I don’t think its too much of a reach for them to go back and re-visit the Woodyard at SS scenario. 6′ and 220lbs, ran a 4.5 in the 40 at the combine. Its worth a training camp/pre-season to see if that’s a good fit. He was considered a potential SS at the NFL Combine anyway.

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