Denver Broncos Free Agency – Defensive Line

There is no doubt that in this offseason Denver will need to look into free agency to fill that new three man line. Even though I am a much bigger fan of the draft there are just too many needs in that Denver D that the draft can’t satisfy alone. Fortunately, there are some great free agent acquisitions to be made in this offseason. Here is a list a some that should be on Denver’s radar:

2008 Statistics

                                                        

Chris Canty	Â
Team:	Dallas Cowboys
Position:	Defensive End
Height:	6-7
Weight:	304
Age:	26
Games Started:	16
Tackles:	37
Sacks:	3.0
Pass Defended:	5
Prospective Grade:	B: Chris Canty is the ideal 3-4 DE when it comes down to size. His production is only average if a little above for a DE (If you don’t agree check out Richard Seymour). Canty could compliment Marcus Thomas well and provide a great deal of depth to the defensive line. Imagine having a starting defensive line where the smallest guy is Marcus Thomas at 303 pounds.
Mr. East’s Wishlist:	Yes – Canty has a minimal to no injury problem and has always been a solid starter.

 

 

 

 

     

Julius Peppers
Team:	Carolina Panthers
Position:	Defensive End/OLB
Height:	6-7
Weight:	287
Age:	29
Games Started:	16
Tackles:	51
Sacks:	14.5
Pass Defended:	5
Prospective Grade:	A: Julius Peppers is a monster on the field, there is no questioning that. This man beast has averaged out 10 sacks a season for the past seven. He has had more passes defended as a DE than Marquand Manuel did as a safety. However, Peppers sees the success of sack monsters like DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman and is now sick of being on the defensive line and he wishes to step back a few yards to the OLB position. One of the questions is, does Peppers have the speed? Peppers fastest 40 time was a 4.68 in his rookie year, Ware once ran a 4.56 and Merriman a 4.6. With that time his speed is close to par with the others, but can he play the position? That can only be answered once the season begins.
Mr. East’s Wishlist:	No – Peppers will break the bank and possibly could not be worth the money if he’s not as productive in the 3-4 system.

 

 

 

 

 

Gabe Watson
Team:	Arizona Cardinals
Position:	Defensive Line
Height:	6-3
Weight:	332
Age:	25
Games Started:	16
Tackles:	20
Sacks:	1
Prospective Grade:	B+: What happens if B.J. Raji and Ron Brace both fall out of Denver’s reach come draft day? Quick! Think fast! It’s okay, hopefully they’ll be smart enough to sign Gabe Watson by then.
Mr. East’s Wishlist:	Yes – Gabe Watson is young and full of potential, which is exactly what Denver needs right now. He however may cost a pretty penny due to that little Super Bowl run the Cardinals had. At age 25 Denver would be foolish to at least try to land this restricted free agent.

 

 

 

 

 

C.J. Mosley
Team:	New York Jets
Position:	Defensive End
Height:	6-2
Weight:	305
Age:	25
Games Started:	1
Tackles:	17
Sacks:	1.5
Prospective Grade:	C: C.J. Mosley has provided depth to the New York Jets defensive line for four seasons now, but thats about it. His production is dull and he’s only started 5 games in his career. His size, youth, and experience in the 3-4 may intrigue a inexpensive contract.
Mr. East’s Wishlist:	Undetermined – C.J. has potential, but I’m tired of watching unproven defensive players make millions for lackluster production. If Mosley can be brought in for cheap then you won’t find me complaining.

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Wright
Team:	New England Patriots
Position:	Defensive End
Height:	6-4
Weight:	295
Age:	26
Games Started:	2
Tackles:	28
Sacks:	2.5
Prospective Grade:	B: Mike Wright may not have a lot of starts under his belt, but thats pretty hard to do with you play on the same line as Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork. Even though he registered just 2 starts last year he had playing time in all 16 games and provided great depth to the rotation in New England. His production can be questioned, his only sacks last season came in 3 games that were all blowouts (i.e. Denver, Oakland, and Arizona).
Mr. East’s Wishlist:	Yes – Hopefully McDaniels will want to bring a familiar face to the defense. Mike Wright is young and has great experience in the 3-4 defense Denver will probably be employing this upcoming season.

 

What do you think Denver fans? Any of these players look appealing? Air it out!