The Denver Broncos lost two starters on their defensive line, with Dre'Mont Jones and DeShawn Williams leaving in free agency. They brought in Zach Allen to replace one of them, but they still need to find someone who can step in as the other starter or add to their depth. So while this isn't a great class for interior defensive linemen, some solid options can fit what the Broncos are looking for.
Zacch Pickens | IDL | South Carolina
Pros
- He has the versatility to play multiple techniques on the defensive line.
- He kept it clean with seven penalties over the last three seasons.
- Good production that improved each season.
- He picked up 57 stops over three seasons.
- He does well to get his hands up when his pass rush isn't getting home.
- Good athlete who had an exceptional Combine with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.18.
- Consistently does well in deconstructing blocks with a physical skill set.
- Modest size overall but has excellent length for the defensive line.
- Quick when one-gapping to shoot the gap.
- Has a quick first step and explodes off the snap.
- He has excellent body control and keeps things tight.
- The pass rush he does have are sound with the technique.
- He has excellent balance when working blocks and is quick to regain balance if he loses it.
Cons
- Doesn't have a wide range of pass-rush moves and lacks counters.
- He doesn't do well in sustaining positioning when working against double teams.
- There is a lot of inconsistency with his tape going snap to snap
- He struggles to keep his pad level low and pops right up after the snap.
- Doesn't generate enough power to bull through blockers.
- He is unlikely to be a two-gap defender unless he gets significantly stronger.
- He could use a little more mass on his lighter frame.
- Production as a pass rusher is less than ideal, with 33 pressures and eight sacks over the last two seasons.
Overview
Pickens has excellent length and uses it well, but he will need to add a little more mass and power to his game. His athleticism is easy to see when watching him, and he knows how to weaponize it with his athleticism. Work will need to be done to add to his pass-rush arsenal and his effectiveness as a pass-rusher.
Fit with Broncos
Pickens would be a great fit for the scheme the Broncos run and fits in with their personnel. While he will need to improve, the Broncos have a great coach on the defensive line to help him develop in Marcus Dixon. In addition, his versatility would help give the Broncos options with their units, and he can change things up based on opponents.
Isaiah McGuire | IDL/Edge | Missouri
Pros
- Great athlete who posted a 9.51 Relative Athletic Score.
- Great production over the last two seasons, with 72 pressures and 13 sacks.
- He has plenty of power in his body and executes a great bull rush with solid consistency.
- When he reads run correctly, he does well to hold his own for the most part.
- Has an excellent motor that never stalls.
- His frame is maxed out, and he has an excellent build with mass throughout his frame.
- He does well on stunts and twists to clear out blocks with the power in his body.
- There is a good punch for engaging that brings excellent power.
Cons
- He doesn't have a great change of direction skills.
- He is a bit of a tweener with his size and traits between an interior defensive lineman and an edge rusher.
- He doesn't use his length consistently, which can lead to him getting bullied in the run game.
- He doesn't transition well with his attack and struggles to enter the finish mode to secure the sack, leading to missed opportunities.
- He lacks discipline in all phases and will get upfield too far in anticipation of a pass leaving an open lane for a run.
- Reads and play diagnoses are all over the place.
- He lacks twitch as an athlete, and his style is more of a go through the blocker with limited lateral ability.
Overview
McGuire is a tweener with the play style of a lineman but the size of an edge. His frame seems maxed out to bulk up enough for a lineman. The best bet for McGuire is more of a standard four-man front, letting him work out of a 3-point stance, where he does a better job transferring his speed and explosion into power.
Fit with Broncos
The Broncos' run defense was inconsistent off the edge, especially after they traded Bradley Chubb. McGuire could be a massive boost to the room in that department while providing solid potential as a pass rusher. Improving his discipline would go a long way while adding to his pass-rush moves. However, he would fit in nicely with the personnel to bring some balance to the group.
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