The OLB position is one of the more contentious issues for Denver Broncos fans as they are either all in with D.J. Williams or they hope to see Wesley Woodyard get his crack it the starting job.
Wesley Woodyard is a classic over achiever. He works hard and gets every bit of talent and athletic ability out of himself on every play. You have to love that kind of effort and work ethic. The question is, does all of that overcome a sometimes underachieving starter ahead of you on the roster?
Wesley Woodyard in 2011 is a tale of two seasons really. When he stepped into the lineup when DJ Williams was injured early in the season, he was a force on the defense, getting nearly half his tackle total for the season in the years first five games. Then DJ Williams got his job back and Woodyard's numbers declined to a more respectable 5-6 tackles a game.
He had his moments though. Moments that give us fans a hard choice to make in the poll below. Moments like the game saving fumble he forces against the Chicago Bears He made the most of what few opportunities he was given after moving back down the depth chart. Then something strange happened. He become irrelevant down the stretch.
What does one make of his one tackle and one assist in the seasons final three games - one regular season and two playoff games? To resign Woodyard, the Broncos would likely need to pay him starter salary. Is Woodyard worth $3.5+ million a year?
Pros: A very athletic linebacker. Has excellent speed and instincts. A good run stopper. Can also make some plays in pursuit. Wraps well. Is very smart and coachable. Underrated linebacker with surprising tools.
Cons: A little small for the position. Isn't a particularly strong hitter (though he gets his fair share of tackles). Sometimes seems lost in coverage and gets caught out of position.
I like Woodyard. I could even live with him on the starting lineup. The question really comes down to whether the Broncos front office keeps DJ Williams or deals him for a draft pick. If the plan is to trade Williams, I think Woodyard gets resigned at starter money. If the plan is to keep Williams, Woodyard is likely heading to greener pastures. He has played well enough over his career to look for a team willing to give him a shot at a starting job.
2 recs | 61 comments
There shouldn’t be a single person who doesn’t want Woodyard back.
He’s a hard worker, he’s a good player and he’s a great person. I am 100% for putting Woodyard as starter and trading DJ for whatever value we can get for him.
Unfortunately, I don’t see EFX making that move which means we likely have seen the last of Woodyard in Orange and Blue.
Nick Cast - February 11, 2012
Average player. Good guy.
Used often as our nickel linebacker, Woodyard is horrible against the pass. He had 0 interceptions and 2 passes defensed last year seeing significant playing time. Over his career, he has 1 INT and 5 passes defensed. That is HORRIBLE! Compare that to other OLB in the league. Lance Briggs, over the same time period has 7 INT’s and 24 passes defensed.
I agree, he is a good guy and a decent ST player, but is not a starter in the league.
JediBroncoFan - February 11, 2012
Compared to DJ Williams who has played for 8 years and has a total of 37 pass defenses and a whopping 2 interceptions….
Nick Cast - February 11, 2012
I agree DJ is not good against the pass either, but he is an effective pass rusher with 15.5 sacks over the past 4 years. I just don’t agree with “settling” for below average to average players (Woodyard) in trying to build a team. People like Woodyard because he is a “good guy”. As a fan, I want the best players on the field.
JediBroncoFan - February 11, 2012
+ 1 . However I do think DJ is average in coverage. He makes up for that with a good pass rush.
tiderfootball09 - February 11, 2012
WW said he wants to start
He was a class guy in Denver, but now he wants to start. He won’t sign to sit behind DJ. I think there is a team ot there that signs him, so he’ll leave.
If we traded DJ, then yes, WW would take his place. I think WW is not worse than overpaid DJ, and will also be cheaper.
si_ice - February 11, 2012
Did he say it in an interview?
Was it the DP who said it?
He gets lots of playing time, is a team Captain, has started when there was an injury and I think he likes Denver. I believe he will stay and fight it out in camp for starter again. Maybe they trade DJ later, when they see what they actually have at LB. That also will be dictated by IF there are any suitors for DJ and his contract.
Digger24 - February 11, 2012
An article quoted WW saying he wants to start
I definitely remember reading it, but I can’t remember which article.
DaLostBoy4 - February 13, 2012
Yeah I read it too.
I was just wondering where and how reliable it was. I heard he likes it here and wants to stay. He would like to start and that’s a good thing, but does he need to have a chance to start? I think the playing time he gets because Mays sucks at pass coverage would be enough to keep him here because frankly he is not very good in coverage either. Since he’s kind of small I’m not sure starting is in his cards. We’ll see.
Digger24 - February 13, 2012
Wesley Woodyard, HELL YEAH!
bronco4ever15 - February 11, 2012
I voted "No."
I really like Wesley Woodyard; but I don’t want to pay him starter money unless he’s starting.
If he demands starter money, then I’ll wish him well – except when he plays Denver.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
A little anecdote about Wesley Woodyard,
A couple years ago, I was at Broncos Training camp, and the defense was practicing near where I was sitting. After one of the drills, Woodyard came and sat about 10 feet away from the crowd.
Anyways, a little boy, about 7 or 8, came near him and whispered “Mr. Woodyard, can you please sign my helmet?”
Dove Valley policy is that only select groups can sign autographs, and only at the end of practice. Knowing this, I figured Wes would politely shoo the kid away.
But he didn’t. Wes looked around, motioned for a sharpie, and signed the kids helmet saying “Oh man, Coach McDaniels is gonna fire me for this!”
He smiled and gave the kid the signed helmet. Kid looked like he won a million bucks.
Since then, Wes has been one of my favorite Broncos. I for one said Keep Him.
Tollyvolley127 - February 11, 2012
Great Story!
Too bad they can’t warrant keeping him around on class an character alone.
CH74 - February 11, 2012
I remember that Tolley.
That was a classy thing to do.
KaptainKirk - February 11, 2012
McDaniels would have fired him for that
because he’s an a-hole, thank goodness that piece of trash is back where he belongs, Wes is the man, yet more evidence thereof!
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
Nobody ever questioned that he is a great guy and a great teammate. I want him on the Broncos for that very reason.
I don’t however share the sentiment of some that he should be a starter.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
I'd like to see him starting. He is the victim of
shallow and narrow thinking…“he’s too small”. He has done nothing but succeed whenever put in. Better leader than DJ (who I like btw) and as good at LB. Since everything else is equal, plus he’s a key leader…sign him and give him a shot. Trade DJ, I think he’s well liked in many NFL circles (he’s got size and the pedigree). We can get good value for him and not lose any value in play on the field with WW.
rubincarterrocks - February 11, 2012
Rubin, 100% correct. Get a Dan Conner, let Irving see some more time and move forward.
boydy2669 - February 11, 2012
Why not kill two birds with one stone?
Put DJ at MLB and WW at WLB. We would be no worse at WLB but better at MLB. Plus we keep a team captain in WW. Then we could keep Mays as depth and ST stud. Seems too easy to me.
GrizBronc - February 11, 2012 via mobile
That's my recommendation as well.
Hey who actually said WW is looking to start somewhere?
Digger24 - February 11, 2012
I forget where I read it, but he did say it in an interview.
He obviously didn’t say it flat our since he’s such a a classy guy, but it was completely evident what he was saying.
broncos7life - February 11, 2012
Why not?
So we are not in the cellar as an overall defense. Get the best, most talented players possible. If Woodyard is the best, most talented we can get at OLB – then we are in trouble.
JediBroncoFan - February 11, 2012
I can't believe the DJ love...really blows my mind...
One good season, a 1st round pick and in my mind he’s been below average. Yet, a hard working dude like UFA Woodyard comes in and blows it up. Remember, he was FILLING in for DJ, so his role was do that as good as he could. Play WW as a starter, the scheme will change a little, but why many will call him small, bad against pass etc, the REAL problem is MLB, and thats the ONLY position, I think, DJ has upside (I know, as a rookie he was good outside) but play DJ at MLB (if we keep him but I am for getting a pick for him) and start WW…WAY better than what we have now.
Anyway, I take WW over DJ any day of the week.
We are talking about a guy who has come in and performed as well as a 1st round pick.
Peace.
boydy2669 - February 11, 2012
Great minds think alike eh Boydy?
GrizBronc - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Yeh mate!
boydy2669 - February 12, 2012
DJ had more then one good year...
2009- He had 120 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Also was an alternate for the pro bowl.
2010- 119 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
2011- In just 13 games, he got 90 tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Before you give me this crap of “oh he made those tackles 5-6 yards down field” go look at the d-line he played behind in 2009/2010. Also before you make that comment about this year, look at who was playing Mike.
Comparing him to Lance Briggs stats, DJ over the past 3 years has 14 sacks 7 FFs to Briggs 5.5 sacks 4 FFs. You expect Woodyard to replace that? I like Woodyard, but come on, DJ is better then him. I will take DJ over Woodyard any day of the week as well as the other teams in the NFL. If Dennis Allen thought Woodyard was better, then why didn’t Woodyard start the rest of the year? Every year, DJ is the scape goat for the defense. It’s the same old agruments. Every offseason, I see nothing but trade DJ Williams this or cut him. Clearly EFX doesn’t think this and I don’t see any evidence to prove other wise. But hey, lets down grade the position….
tiderfootball09 - February 11, 2012
Have to agree with Tider here
I love Woodyard, but he is what he is and that is an elite rotational linebacker. Dj is the type of player that fans dont care for til he’s gone. there isn’t any real aspect of his game that sticks out because he is very balanced. He’s never going to be a big play linebacker, but what i do like about him is that he is the type that doesnt give up the big plays either.
OrangeCrushT.O - February 11, 2012
Woodyard is a fan favorite and has played well as a backup but he isn't as good as DJ you are so right about that.
This argument will never end so I hope Wood gets the chance to start somewhere else (because I think he is a downgrade from DJ). I would love to keep him here as a back up though.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
I would like to keep him around as a backup too.
tiderfootball09 - February 12, 2012
Agree 100% boydy.
ThorpeBroncosfan - February 11, 2012
This is a tough call
Woodyard has less talent than DJ, but I am willing to bet he works a hell of a lot harder which tends to even it out. I’d be for moving DJ back to Mike to get Wood on the field at Will. I think that is about the only way they could justify keeping both of them. If only we could fuse DJ’s talent and Wood’s work ethic, we’d have a monster at the Will!
CH74 - February 11, 2012
I want an all world stud at MLB.
with leadsership ability. Neither is DJ.
Tim Lynch - February 11, 2012
I’m pretty sure that’s what everyone wants. But every team can’t have a Ray Lewis. Your expectations are probably higher than what will actually take place, but who knows.
jbbroncosfan27 - February 11, 2012 via mobile
I'm fine with DJ at Will.
tiderfootball09 - February 11, 2012
YES! One who can be the QB of the defense!
Broncotodd - February 12, 2012
I say keep him
I’m sure this post will cue all the trade DJ comments, but I think DJ is the better of the two. I wouldn’t be opposed to moving DJ to MLB and giving WW a starting spot either. I don’t ever really understand why everyone wants to get rid of DJ, but each person is entitled to their own opinions.
jbbroncosfan27 - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Hit the nail on the head
With so many FA to resign, the Broncos will probably have to choose between Woodyard and Williams. These two players are a classic example of hard work beating talent when talent isn’t working hard. Woody tries harder and is effective against the run, while sub-par against the pass. DJ is sub-par in both categories although at times, he makes some plays that no other LB could make except for Von Miller.
I say trade DJ for picks, sign Woodyard to a modest contract, and draft a great college player this year or the next. I doubt another team will throw much money at Wood, so signing him for “cheap” may not be difficult. Besides, why do I get the feeling that if we let Wood walk, New England would sign him?
Horsepower - February 11, 2012
The problem with drafting a LB this year is that they are all pretty average outside of hightower
OrangeCrushT.O - February 11, 2012
That is a problem
do you like anyone for next year’s draft?
Horsepower - February 12, 2012
we really don't know that yet. It seems like a weak class and it may be but there are always a few who surprise.
Zach Brown should be good, Luke Kuechly will have a James Laurenitis type impact IMO. I also think Bobby Wagner is a sleeper and could develop into a starting caliber LB. Obviously just my opinion but we’ll see. I do agree that there are no homerun picks. I don’t even think Hightower is a homerun pick.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
I dont think LB is a focus in a Foxy and JDR Defense.
Their best teams were all built around a dominant Dline. The way I see it, we have our starters at Sam and Will (Miller&Williams) If Wood is priced right we would then have one of the best OLB backups in the league. I am with you BroncoMath, I dont see a difference maker at LB that will be available when we pick in the draft. Thats why im pushing for my #2 FA pickup MLB Dan Connor. He is a great MLB that wont be returning to the panthers due to Beason, and he already know the type of D that Foxy runs.
OrangeCrushT.O - February 12, 2012
LB is actually a huge focus. Fox loved drafting fast LBs in Carolina. I could see them grabbing another one in this draft personally
Though I agree that a dominant D-line will help our LBs out a lot.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
Plus I have a feeling that Connor will be following Foxy here.
Which should allow the FO to focus all the D picks on DL and DB
OrangeCrushT.O - February 11, 2012
Connor is slated to start in Carolina
and the dude is fresh off an injury. I’d like to upgrade at LB, but Connor doesn’t strike me as a must-have.
postpunk27 - February 11, 2012
Jon Beason is the starter and the one coming off injury
OrangeCrushT.O - February 11, 2012
Connor started this year some games only because Beason went down. Beason is the starter.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
rotoworld
The Charlotte Observer expects the Panthers to let free agent MLB Dan Connor walk on the open market.
The Panthers can’t promise a starting job with Jon Beason returning, and Connor has earned a long-term deal with high-quality run defendse over the past two seasons. Connor, 26, should appeal to both 3-4 and 4-3 teams. He’s one of the top players available in a loaded free-agent inside linebacker class, along with Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne, D’Qwell Jackson, and Stephen Tulloch.
Digger24 - February 12, 2012
also rotoworld
Sporting News’ Andrew Mason suggests that the Broncos may be ready to turn over their starting middle linebacker job to Nate Irving in 2012.
The 67th overall pick in last year’s draft, the Broncos are smitten with Irving’s “presence and potential,” per Mason, and he may very well have started games in 2011 if not for the lockout-shortened offseason. Denver instead stuck with Joe Mays, a two-down thumper who lacks Irving’s range, playmaking ability, and cover skills. Mays may be allowed to sign elsewhere this spring.
Digger24 - February 12, 2012
Depends
Yes, if we can keep him for cheap. No, if he has notions of starting and starting money. I like him and I know the size thing is being shallow minded (rubin) but the his size concerns me. Was posting on another thread about our D being a nasty D and I just don’t see it from Wood. Yea he flys around and makes a play every now an then but I see opposing O coordinators running the rock down his throat if he’s in there on 1st and 2nd down. If it wasn’t for Wood getting his hand in the right place to make Chicago’s RB fumble he would of ran straight through Wood for TD.
OrangeRhino - February 11, 2012 via mobile
Sign WW, trade DJ and sign Dan Conner...
bfree2bronc - February 11, 2012
Absoultely resign Woodyard!
In my opinion a must.
ThorpeBroncosfan - February 11, 2012
I don't want to see my man Wes go
all you need to know about him, he followed ME on Twitter, not the other way around, he thinks other people matter more than him and he is deferential. He gives it all he’s got and has made lots of big plays, I realize everyone is expendable but I want him to stay…
the new Bradfather - February 11, 2012
Every team needs players like him
It just comes down to the price being right. if we are talking about a 3yr/9mil with 2 in signing bonus, then it needs to get done. But if he is looking for a contract that would come with a 5-7mil cap hit each year then that money could be used elsewhere.
OrangeCrushT.O - February 11, 2012
I'd like to see him stay.....I just don't picture other teams drooling over stealing him from us....
Maybe it won’t be so expensive to keep him in the family!
Broncotodd - February 12, 2012
Good ST, Not a Starter
If WW wants to start, let him walk.
LTC Pain - February 12, 2012
On a D that is lacking leadership it would be a big mistake
to let WW go. He is the most respected (outside of Dawkins) leader on the team. As a rookie he was a captain…think about that, a rookie, un-drafted rookie at that! If DJ is good with moving to MLB then that would be an upgrade for us overall, but I don’t blame WW for wanting to be a starter. Every guy in the league wants that, WW has shown he is capable of being a starter so who blames him. DJ is a good player, but he should and could be a “great” player. Some games he gives us a view of that great player an in all of the rest he gives us the “good” player….which is not bad but he lacks the leadership of WW which gives the nod then to WW. I’d love to see WW and his passion and leadership out there every play and see what type of motivation and inspiration that brings to the D on every play. Physically giftet players are a dime a dozen in the NFL, it’s the physically gifted ones who are passionate and leaders that are rare, they elevate everyone else around them… And BTW, he is not a so-so athlete who overachieves, over and above his actual physical abilities… he is a superior athlete, perhaps every bit DJs equal, just lacks the size of DJ, but try telling Tommy Jackson that small-ish LBs can’t excel in the NFL… (actually, that is a perfect comparison for WW)
rubincarterrocks - February 12, 2012
I agree with everything you sadi but I also think he lacks some talent and skill as well.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
I voted re-sign him but only as a backup. I don't want to see DJ traded and Woodyard given the spot.
If Wood wants to start he should go elsewhere. I love the guy, his character and his hard work and that is why I want him as a Bronco for life but I won’t give the guy the starting job based on those alone and I appear to be in the minority but I think DJ is a much better LB than Wood.
BroncoMath101 - February 12, 2012
DJ is also one of those players that noone appreciates till he is gone.
and he is the best tackler on the team, which is needed on a team known for being poor tacklers
OrangeCrushT.O - February 12, 2012
You're not in the minority.
In fact rec. This should be green.
Digger24 - February 12, 2012
Oops! To BroncoMath 101
Digger24 - February 12, 2012
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