We looked at the Production Ratio for the Linebackers who were invited to the NFL Combine on Monday and today we will take a look at the Defensive Linemen to narrow down the search for players that would fit with the Denver Broncos in our eternal quest to play Armchair GMs'. I split them into two categories just like I did with the Linebackers -- the Defensive Tackles (Nose Tackles too) and the Ends. To add some perspective, I charted some of the leading players from last years draft class along with their selection slot and their Production Ratio from their time in college. Because this is a stand alone post, I will restate that this premise has been taken from Pat Kirwan's book, "Take Your Eye Off the Ball."
Yep, it's finally here. The National Invitational Camp, better known as the NFL Scouting Combine, has arrived. And not a moment too soon. I imagine all of you have been on edge for your football fix and here the Super Bowl was only played two weeks ago. That's like two whole Bye weeks right?
Below the fold you will find the daily agenda for each positional group from February 22-28.
Former Eagle Brian Dawkins is among the greatest safeties of this generation, along with guys like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. With eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro's under his belt, all wrapped up with a fiery leadership, his presence has made teams better for over a decade, few can deny his legacy, but does that legacy warrant his return for another season with the Broncos?
Dawkins was drafted in the 2nd round by the Philadelphia Eagles back in 1996. After 13 years with the Eagles he was let go because of the desire to get younger on defense and he was picked up by former coach Josh McDaniels in one of his best moves while here. Since coming to Denver Brian has started 39 of 48 games, made two Pro Bowls and been the foundation for the Broncos defense. But as time is passing, age is beginning to catch up with Weapon X.
Wide Receiver Eddie Royal arrived in Denver as the Broncos second round (42nd overall) selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. He started out like a rocket, earning the Pepsi rookie of the week in Weeks 1 and 10. That first week, Royal drew the coverage of Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall because Brandon Marshall was serving a one-game suspension. Royal had a field day and ended up with 9 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown, while adding two carries for 9 yards and 18 yards on punts returns. Broncos Quarterback Jay Cutler only completed 16 passes and Denver stomped the Raiders 41-14 in Oakland. Eddie finished the year with 91 receptions, 2nd most in NFL history for a rookie, behind only Anquan Boldin who had 101. His 980 yards and five touchdowns are both Broncos rookie records. He was seventh in the league among wide receivers in receptions, and sixth in the NFL in total yards.
5-10
185
May 21, 1986 (Age: 25)
Virginia Tech
Agent: Todd France (FAAM)
During the offseason last year, I wrote a piece using the Production Ratio from Pat Kirwan's book, "Take Your Eye Off the Ball." The Production Ratio is used to measure the playmaking potential for the Front 7 players on Defense coming out of college. There are many aspects to scouting -- Character, Work ethic, Intelligence, Football instincts, Competitiveness and Developmental upside to name a few, but this formula can be used to narrow down the players to focus on during the National Scouting Combine that will be held this week in Indianapolis.
Two free agency periods in just over half a year? Sign me up.
The Denver Broncos are coming off of a season in which they finished 31st in the league in passing, due largely to the fact that when they were winning, it was the running game that was continually dominant and the primary focus of the offensive gameplan.
In 2012, I think we can expect the Broncos to open up the passing game a little bit more, but as of right now, there are only a few guys under contract for 2012. Third year players Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are joined by free agent acquisition Jason Hill and D'Andre Goodwin in the Broncos' receiver group, with both Eddie Royal and Matt Willis set to become free agents in a couple of weeks.
Needless to say, receiver is a position the Broncos need to seek some kind of upgrade, I'm just not sure what kind of upgrade it will be at this point.
Will the Broncos pursue a big name free agent? Former big name free agent? Will they draft another young guy? A combination of some of these? It's all pretty fuzzy for me right now, but I think when you look back at what this team was able to do last year in getting a guy like Willis McGahee at running back, I think you could see a similar acquisition (or two) this year at wide receiver.
Here are some directions I think the Broncos could go when free agency starts in a couple of weeks:
Defensive Tackle Brodrick Bunkley is the next Denver Bronco we will review. Bunkley was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1st round (14th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft after a stellar 4 year college career at Florida State. Brodrick appeared in 15 games as a rookie and in 2007, he moved into the starting Defensive Tackle spot alongside Mike Patterson. He made 30 Tackles and 3 Sacks that season. After becoming the starter, Bunkley started 52 straight games up until Week 5 of the 2010 season, when he suffered ligament and nerve damage to his left elbow. He totaled 262 tackles (146 solo), six sacks (25 yds.) and three fumble recoveries in his 5 seasons with Philadelphia. On July 30, 2011, Brodrick was traded to the Browns in exchange for a 5th-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, but the trade was nullified after Bunkley didn't show up in Cleveland. Instead, the Eagles swapped him to the Broncos for an unspecified pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
6-2
306
Nov 23, 1983 (Age: 28)
Florida State
As we continue our review of Denver Broncos Free Agents, it's time to look at Defensive Tackle Marcus Thomas, who has forever been linked to Mike Shanahan's furious run of Defensive lineman draft picks in the 2007 draft.
Marcus was selected in the 4th round with the 121st pick by the Broncos out of Florida. He has played in 76 games (34 starts) for the Broncos and in 2010, joined Rubin Carter (1975-78) as the only interior defensive linemen in Broncos history to play every game during their first four professional seasons. With the exception of 2009, when the team ran a 2-5 front with Elvis Dumervil having his hand on the ground, Marcus has increased his Tackle numbers (and playing time) each year. He recorded his second highest Tackle total (35) in 2010, including his first career Sack against the New York Jets in Week 6. Thomas is tied for second in team history among defensive linemen with two career interceptions.
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