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Published on 03/04/2009 at Wed Mar 04 09:00.
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Broncos Sign Pair of DTs

Posted Wed Mar 4th by

Ronald Fields

Defensive tackle Ronald Fields joins the Broncos after four seasons with San Francisco. (Lee Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle)

Lost in the mania surrounding Jay Cutler trade rumors and the signing of Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins was a pair of signings addressing the defensive tackle position. They were briefly mentioned in other posts, but I thought I’d give them their fair due here. The Denver Broncos announced the additions of Ronald Fields on Tuesday and Darrell Reid on Monday.

Fields (6-foot-2, 315 pounds) is a fifth-year defensive tackle who spent his first four NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners drafted Fields in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft from Mississippi State University. He has played 49 career regular-season games (9 starts), totaling 97 tackles (49 solo), one sack, one pass breakup and one forced fumble.

Fields has stayed healthy, appearing in every game for the 49ers during each of the last two seasons while registering 28 tackles (18 solo) for the club in 2008. A year earlier, he posted a career-high 39 tackles (14 solo) along with one sack and one forced fumble with San Francisco. He started nine games in 2006.

Reid (6-foot-2, 288 pounds) is a fifth-year defensive tackle who spent his first four NFL seasons with Indianapolis, which signed him as a college free agent in 2005 from the University of Minnesota. He has played 55 career regular-season games (2 starts), totaling 79 tackles (47 solo), 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

A special teams ace, Reid also posted a team-high 45 special-teams tackles in the regular season during his four seasons with the Colts.

The defensive tackle has seen time in seven career playoff games, including the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI win against Chicago during the 2006 season. He owns four defensive tackles and nine special-teams stops for his postseason career.

Reid has appeared in all 16 games in each of the last two seasons and had 19 tackles (11 solo) along with two sacks (12 yds.) and 11 special-teams stops for the Colts in 2008. His 21 special-teams tackles for Indianapolis in 2007 were a team high and tied for second in the NFL.

Both guys are young, have been healthy, provide solid depth, and Fields comes with experience from Mike Nolan. The nose tackle position is our biggest need for switching to the 3-4 defense, and I’m glad to see the Broncos are adding bodies to the competition.

  • fischdog

    This Fields guy from SF is supposed to be the real freakin deal!

    I guess we totally stole this guy. Only time will tell…

  • Riverscanbl&wme

    From looking at Reids measureables it would seem he could play DE in a 3-4 scheme. Indy has been known to have smaller quicker d-line players. Just a thought.

  • MileHigh55

    Since the Brownies traded away Winslow to the Bucs would the Brownies be interested in another trade. Tony Scheffler and say a 4th or 5th round pick for DT Shaun Rogers , he wants out of Brownie land. Getting him would allow Denver to draft LB or CB in the first round or since we picked up Andra Davis for ILB maybe we go DE with our first pick.

    Also I read the Giants are saying they have to many draft picks and could be looking to move up in the draft. Now dropping from 12th to 29 th is a big fall but how many draft picks could we pick up from the Giants in this big jump.

    Draft Value chart wise Denver moving to 29th the Giants would owe us 560 pts meaning we could get there second 2nd rd pick plus a 4th or a 5th rd pick to go with it . Giving Denver a late 1st rd pick and two 2nd rd picks to go with a 4th rd pick that would replace the one we sent to the Brownies.
    I have way to much time on my hands today .

  • Vince_Marine

    Fields sounds like a good fit at NT for the 3-4 scheme. I still think we need to draft Raji if he is still there at #12.

    When are we going to get a kicker? Prater sucks!!! Jason Hanson is a UFA, and would be a good fit here in Denver.

  • Jordan C

    Speaking of nose tackles…sort of –

    Now there are rumors that Scheffler is on the block (much to Cutler’s chagrin, I’m sure) and that one possible scenario is packaging him with a mid to late pick to land Shaun Rogers. The Browns need a pass catching TE and Rogers still wants out.

    What do you all think? Are Fields and Thomas enough at NT? Will the Broncos land a starter in the Draft? Or do you think a deal like this makes sense?

    Although Nolan may like Fields, he seems only serviceable since he’s coming from a so-so defense. Nothing short of a dominant nose tackle is necessary, imo.

    (I like Scheff, but he’s consistently spent time in the infirmary.)

  • kerry

    send Scheffler and our 4th round pick to the Browns IMMEDIATELY for Shaun Rogers. but i dont think Mangini would do that because he comes from the same offense that Mcdaniels does. and that means the TE isnt used alot for receiving purposes. the trade of winslow should be a hint that receiving TE’s are not gonna be used in Mangini’s offense just as they arent gonna be used here.

  • Jordan C

    Scooped by Milehigh55.

  • Richard

    MileHigh55 NO, NO, NO, we have addressed the CB and LB situation in Free Agency. D line in first round. CB and LB development guys in mid to late rounds. You’re right to think moving down, but I would rather move down to the low 20’s not 29th. Maybe Minnesota at 22. That would still give us Tyson Jackson and 2 2nd rounders.

    JordanC I know I’ve been flamed for saying this before, but I think Carlton Powell is our backup Nose(yes I know he was hurt last year) because he regularly took on double team blocks in College and Tuten has him up to 308, and by his own admission stronger than he as ever been. Thomas, in my opinion, is a better fit at D end. As far as Sheff is concerned I’d rather keep him. He’s just too good at getting open, and has Cutler’s confidence. Rogers didn’t like Detroit, doesn’t like Cleveland, why give him the opportunity to dislike Enver.

  • kerry

    Cleveland just got rid of Winslow who is a damn good receiving TE. why would Cleveland want another receiving TE who isnt as good as Winslow?? and they sure arent gonna get rid of their best D-linemen for Scheffler. if Denver could do that deal then Mangini is an idiot.

  • Stav

    I love Scheffler, but the guy’s always hurt. In the same respect, Rogers is a beast, but is he willing to put in the work on every snap? I don’t know. Its definitely an upgrade on the line, but more importantly it allows us to focus on LB/DE in the draft with the #12. Too bad if Jay doesn’t like it, guess what, we couldn’t stop anyone last year, if this were to go down I’m sure #6 would quickly forget about Scheffler once he sees double digit wins and a respectable defense. One quick note – I saw some other postings on the age factor going up with our defense. I’ve got no problem with it, as I’ve said before, Hill, Dawkins, Goodman and the rest of the 32+’s, these are a 2-3 yr stop gap until younger talent develops. I’d rather have older vets who know the system and can provide solid competition for any drafted player, then just throwing out some 1st/2nd yr player to start. And if a rookie actually beats out one of the newly signed vets? Perfect, now we have a talent at that position (hopefully positions).

  • Jaiu

    Fox Sports is reporting that the Broncos have picked up Lamont Jordan.

  • conductormann

    KDVR-TV’s Josina Anderson tells CBSSports.com that the Broncos and RB LaMont Jordan have agreed to a two-year, $2.5 million contract

  • Richard

    Stav Here, Here. You’re right on the money. George Allen won a superbowl with the “Over the Hill Gang”, and was quoted as saying ” Rookies make mistakes, vets don’t”. If a rook beats out a vet, Cool!

  • conductormann

    Kinda thought Hillis or Pittman (even Pinnock) would be fine in short yardage…now Jordan? Small money though…

  • kerry

    alright. Lamont Jordan. i was just thinking its only been a couple days since we signed an old injury prone RB. (Buckhalter) glad we have another one. because we really needed it.

  • Stav

    Obviously our first three picks are D, and the first two are starters based on the pick #, if any of the remaining picks they have can challenge for a starting spot then we’re on to something here fellas. Personally, I’m excited about the defense. Looks like we’re going to be able to hit/wrap/tackle this year, CAN ANYONE IMAGINE? I still don’t know why they show the defense tape of Champ making perfect form tackles. Back to the picks though, here’s a good question for everyone:

    Brandon Marshall is a headcase (quite obviously) and he’s just ruined his chance for a major extension. He seems to be reading and following the biography/lifesteps of Plaxico, Chris Henry, and Rae Caruth (yes I went there). Since “Assume the Position” is something he likes hearing, do we need to use a quality pick on a receiver – Brian Robiskie from OU looked like a steal at the combine. Just throwing that out there. I love #15, but the guy is an ass to say the least.

  • NathanH

    Kerry, I finally agree with you 100%, haha.

    I’m all for competition, but was Lamont really needed? Buckhalter/Young/Torian/Hillis/Jordon

    hahaha. It can’t hurt I suppose, and more than anything it makes me extremely happy that it doesn’t look like we’ll be going RB at all this draft.

  • Joe H.

    Kerry there you go again with the negativity,are you sure you are a Bronco fan? Your glass is always half empty instead half full isn’t it?

  • kerry

    Nathan H:

    dont agree with me too often ok. because if you do, you will be labeled “not a true fan” and “you should go root for the Raiders” and “you are so negative” so be careful ok. god forbid someone should share my points of view. lol

    Joe H:

    yeah ive been a Broncos fan since i was 5 years old. and because i dont drool all over every signing and give tons of unwarranted praise to the signing of injury prone players dosnt make me any less of a fan then you or anyone else. my critisism of this team and all its shortcomings doesnt diminish my standing a a Bronco fan. when they do something positive and for the betterment of the franchise, ill give tons of praise. when they do something that is detrimental to the team then i will say so instead of trying to spin into something positive when in fact it isnt. i could say “oh Lamont Jordan, he is so great and will give such a boost to this team” but we all know that isnt true so why post nonsense? get my drift? we already have a stable of injury prone RB’s. so we got another one. spin this signing on how its gonna be so great.

  • Joe H.

    I do have to agree with you that this signing of Lamont isn’t great. He definately won’t break any records but maybe McDaniels has a plan for him. Like maybe a third down back or something I don’t know,but I’m willing to give him a chance.

  • kerry

    Joe H

    see and thats the problem. we already have a 3rd down back in Peyton Hillis. no need to sign an injury prone player. and the fact that most are conveniently omitting is these signings wreak of “hey he was my buddy in New England so i will sign him” Gaffney, Jordan, Paxson all smack of being McDaniels Buddies. i mean seriously, a new long snapper????!!!! another WR when we already have Marshall, Royal, Stokley?? an injury prone RB in Jordan when we alreayd have a plethora of RB’s? what so they all have in common??…………ANYONE??? they all played for New
    england. if all these guys played for Tampa Bay they wouldnt even be here.

  • Stav

    The Gaffney signing is solid, no complaints there. Paxson? Whatever. Jordan will be cut before the season starts, otherwise I think that was a waste of a signing. Hillis should by no means be relegated to a third down back. This guy needs to be given a solid shot as a starter.

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

    I just hope McD let’s Bobby Turner and Dennison do their thing upfront and on the ground. If Bobby and Rick are allowed to really work the way they normally would under Shanahan, they will suggest a depth chart that has the very best guy 1st on the list.

    Let’s hope McD trusts them enough to allow them to do what they have done so well for so many years here.

  • Hansen

    Jordan – boring. Just a space filler for Training Camp. But to the earlier posters talking of trading Sheffler, easy with that kind of talk, it might upset Jay and we don’t want that. He may stamp his feet and stay in Nashville an extra week.

  • Jordan C

    Hanson –

    You’re right about Cutler. Also, I thought you were calling me boring for a second. Which is fine.

    As dominating as he would be, Hillis will not be a primary running back. And here is why:

    If Hillis lines up as a traditional RB for three downs, it will be somewhat easy for defenses to figure out what he’s going to do. He’ll still be awesome. If you send a 250 lb back with his talent up the middle, it will be effective. But that’s not the beauty of Hillis’s abilities.

    If Hillis is brought in seemingly randomly and lines up at a variety of positions, then the goal is accomplished. What’s the goal, you ask? To strike fear into opposing defenses. With as many different things as Hillis can do, and as smart as he is, that’s exactly what he’ll do. And I love it.

  • mike

    As nice as it would be to get a guy like Shaun Rogers, I don’t think there is any way the Browns will trade him. I just read a report that Rogers and Browns’ management are meeting to “hug it out.” Just another random though, but if McD really is shopping Scheffler and assuming that he is looking for a draft pick in return, the Broncos could have ten picks. Im not exactly sure how many holes we still have to fill, but it seems like maybe keeping our 12th pick and getting Raji if he is still there, or a Brian Cushing/Malcolm Jenkins/Aaron Maybin/Brian Orakpo and then trying to move up again will our surplus of picks into the later first round and see if we can get Tyson Jackson/Peria Jerry. Seems to me like we need the most help up from and most of the quality D-line guys will be gone by the end of the first round.

  • jcampb72

    Weird first start to the MickeyD’s Era. Trading away Tony isn’t going to help mend cutty’s relationship but he needs to grow up. Its not his team.

  • Hansen

    Jordan C – No, not calling you boring. I was calling the Lamont Jordan signing boring. Sorry dude!

  • http://portal.adams.edu Ryan McBronco Fan

    i hate the patriots but mcd better be able to draft like them. one thing i can credit to the cheatin pats is that they knew how to find young talent.
    i need april to hurry up so i can stop worrying that mcdaniels and xanders are actually gonna blow it like a lot of people think they are.
    im reminded of south park when they prayed for big d
    leeeeeeeeeeeetssss goooooooo…. brooooooncoooooss

  • Tom9798

    Home: Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New England, Dallas, N.Y. Giants
    Away: Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Washington

    Brutal schedule. . . until the free agency picks . . . I thought 9-7 at best . . . now I’m jazzed . . . . 11-5 . . . defense will be ranked in the top ten . . . . offense in the top three . . . 6-2 at home . . . . 5-3 on the road . . . . will sweep S.D. . . . claim AFC West Champions . . . will defeat wildcard in first week and defeat conference opponent for AFC Champion and win the Superbowl by four points . . .
    the Denver Broncos are going to stun the NFL! . . . . could be 12-4 . . . but I’m not quite sure about Indy away . . . . this glass is 4-5ths full . . . just remember a summa-beach told you so . . .

  • SanDiegoBronco55

    haha thats wishful thinking for sure…BUT i like it!! wow…away @ Philly, a little dawkins reunion back in the city of brotherly love? that’ll be a sick game…and emotional for him…but i like havin NE come to our house so McD can kick their ass like shanny used to own them (k, minus last year’s debacle)

  • Tom9798

    It will happen! . . . . enough negative BS! . . . . the Denver Broncos are going to Rock the NFL to it’s bones!!

  • myerda00

    I have been looking for info on players signed. Some are real tough. I did find this on Ron Fields.
    Mike Lombardi at the NationalFootballPost said,
    “Excellent power player and if a team wants to run a 3-4, he is the perfect player.”
    Ron Fields such an exciting acquisition? The answers lie in two key areas.

    The current catch-word is versatility. Fields can play the nose in a 3-4 or a 4-3 formation. He runs a 5.23 40, not that he’ll run 40 yards on the field very often. He is fairly good at handling double teams, and can play from the 0- to the 5-technique. He’s not a rusher, but he clumps up the middle just fine. He can even play DE in a 30-front.

    The second reason came to light in a new way. From SFGate.com:
    Quick hands allow a nose tackle to get his hands on the center right after the snap, when the center only has one hand to fend off the hard-charging nose. The quickest pair of hands on the line belong to Ron Fields and is a major reason he’s switching from defensive end to nose tackle.

  • Tom9798

    just a couple stats on Jay Cutler . . . our over-sensitive Q.B. . . . in 1993 John Elway threw for 4,030 yds. ( his most ever to that date) and 25 T.D.’s . . . it was his 11th yr. in the NFL . . . Jay Cutler threw for 4,526 yds. and 25 TD’s in his 3rd yr. and made the Pro-Bowl . . . and unfortunately either Q.B. during this time had crap for a defense to back him up . . .

    This is going to change this year . . . not only has the offense improved with the competition at RB and the addition of Gaffney at WR . . . but we managed to steal a lightning fast defensive backfield from the Dolfin’s with Hill and Goodman . . . and an All-Pro Brian Dawkins to mentor them along with the Bailey brothers helping tudor and punch the outsides . . . also getting Reid from Indy was huge . . . . and we haven’t even gotten to the draft yet . . .

    This will not be the same defense Bronco fans have endured the last three years! . . . I’ve already posted on other blogs that we will win the Superbowl next year . . . . most tired of hearing negative BS, maybe you are too . . . let’s start looking at the cup 4-5th’s full . . . . this is going to be an exciting year to come!

  • DC

    Tom, best blog I’ve seen in months!

  • Tom9798

    DC . . . Thanks . . . . there is alot to be excited about this year! . . . T