Derek Wolfe's Position/Role

hibdib31 · Joined: 22 Aug 2011 Posts: 724 Location: Northern VA

After reading Rotoworld's exerpt and the Denver Post article by Mike Klis, I began to think about Derek Wolfe's position and role in the newest defensive scheme.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20756359/broncos-defensive-coordinator-jack-del-rio-has-keeper-derek-wolfe

hibdib31 · Joined: 22 Aug 2011 Posts: 724 Location: Northern VA

Just read another article on the subject of the new defense:

http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Notebook-Del-Rio-Fox-Building-Our-Defense/7a475d84-f20f-4039-9ade-7565620a3986

germ-x · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 7158

It will be interesting to see how Wolfe develops and where he plays over the next couple of years. If you look at both John Fox's and Jack Del Rio's defenses over the years the incorporate big fronts, even at DE.

It wouldn't be surprising at all to see Wolfe in as a base end and then slide inside in the nickel. I am interested to see if this is the long term plan with him, or if the franchise tries to beef him up over the next couple of years and just leave him inside. Either way, I feel Wolfe will be a quality player for this franchise and with his size/length he could really help open things up for Von Miller playing behind him.

Malik Jackson Is in a similar player. He is experienced across the line and at 6'5" 285 could be used similarly.

Another interesting twist is that Elvis Dumervil has reportedly slimmed down to his weight when Denver was running the 3/4. It could be possible for Denver to throw some wrinkles into the defense and use bigger DE's (Wolfe, Jackson, hell even throw Warren in there) to protect and free up the pass rushers (Niller/Dumervil).

There is no doubt it is a versatile front 7, and while I don't think there is any chance the team runs the 3/4, you could make a case that if they did it would be a better and more talented group than it ever was under McDaniels.

mke1010 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1153

Del Rio emphasizes that Woolfe presently does not have the size to be a full time DT. Even with that, he presents great value as he is able to play end and tackle.
It is obvious that the Broncos expect him to get bigger. And from the pics we have seen he certainly has the frame to add more weight. I see Woolfe being a part time Tackle/End his first couple years and becoming a full time DT by his third year. Derek will ultimately play at about 315-320 pounds which is big enough and still allows him to rush effectively from the inside.

paul-mac · Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 6368 Location: Scotland

Robert Ayers will probably beat him out.
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germ-x · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 7158

Mr.MileHigh · Joined: 18 Apr 2012 Posts: 188 Location: Santa Clara CA

germ-x · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 7158

AntiSuperstar · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 4305

The most interesting part of that article was Del Rio comparing Wolfe to Aaron Smith.
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Stop slobbering over Brian Dawkins

JerseysFinest27 · Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:41 pm Post subject:

M-High Marauder · Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 2172 Location: Ohio

Wolfe seems like a 3-4 DE to me.

If anybody looked at the players on this defense, they would figure that the Broncos were runnign a 3-4. Miller and Doom are 3-4 OLB's, Wolfe is a 3-4 DE, Williams, is 3-4 MLB.

I understand that a defense needs to be versatile, but the players we have just don't naturally fit in a 4-3.
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Denver Broncos - Detroit Tigers - Michigan Wolverines

kansas bob · Joined: 24 Dec 2010 Posts: 528 Location: kansas

I think one of Ayers (and probably others) problem has that Denver has had a different DC every season! Last year they got a good "no name" DC and I thought that if they could keep him for 2 or 3 seasons people like Ayers and Thomas can find out what they expect and do it. Then what happens, a idiot team hires him with one season experience as DC, as their head coach!!!!
It will be interesting to see how Fox and Del Rio use all this talent!
Go Broncos

mke1010 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1153

jsthomp2007 · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 6211 Location: USA

I have a good feeling about Siliga. He looks like a bowling ball with Tattoos.
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rhuston · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 258 Location: valdez ak

Ayers is a very solid run stuffing DE and a pretty good pass rushing DT. I just rewatched the Steelers playoff game and he made a lot of plays while rushing inside. I would like to see him add 10 more lbs and play more DT. I could see Wolfe and him as DT on passing downs and D Ends on third and inches. I also really like Malik Jackson. He was one of the few shinning stars on that Tenn. Defense last year.