Because the Broncos’ defense was porous in 2008, it is very difficult for those not close to the organization to see any type of silver lining with the unit.
Often, every player on the defense is guilty by association, but that would be unfair for the Denver middle linebackers.
For a unit that ranked nearly last in every major category, they surely do not lack talent or experience at this particular position.
For the first time in 2009, many Broncos fans will experience the 3-4 defense led by two captains at middle linebacker, and possibly the best overall leadership since Al Wilson donned the Bronco on his helmet.
Still, with the amount of talent the Broncos boast at this position, it will be tough to find room for many of these players.
How will the coaching staff choose?
Here is an in-depth look at all of the inside linebackers on the Broncos’ roster.
1. D.J. Williams
Williams is one of the most underrated players not only on the Denver Broncos, but in the entire NFL.
According to the team’s official Web site, there is no player in the AFC and only one player in the rest of the league who has averaged more tackles per contest than Williams, who averages 8.7.
The Broncos selected Williams in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami, and the former Hurricane superstar has quietly become one of the better linebackers in the league.
For Denver, he has played the “Mike,” “Will,” and “Sam” linebacker positions, and now will take on the role of “Jack” linebacker, as one of two inside starters for the Broncos.
In 2008, Williams only played 11 games because of an injury, but he was on a record-setting pace.
He led the NFL in tackles through Week Nine with 75, and he finished the year with 93 total stops. Normally I am not one for hypotheticals, but had Williams kept that pace through the entire season, he would have finished the year with 133 tackles.
Williams was signed early last season to a five-year, $30 million extension, and for good reason. If not for some guy named Champ, Williams would be the best player on the Broncos’ defense, and may be the most physically gifted anyway.
One thing Williams brings to the Broncos is durability. Until this past season, he had not missed a start from 2004-2007.
Williams is a captain who leads by example, and Bronco fans can expect a big season from him under the tutelage of defensive genius Mike Nolan.
2. Andra Davis
Davis was brought to Denver early on in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent who had spent the …
Leave a Reply