Because the University of Cincinnati is still in session, defensive tackle Derek Wolfe isn’t allowed to practice with the Broncos during organized team activities.
That didn’t stop the second-round pick from signing a contract with the team, however. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Broncos signed their top 2012 draft pick to a four-year deal worth $5.2 million. Per Klis, $3.2 million of that is guaranteed.
Whether or not Ty Warren irons out his differences with the team, Wolfe should have a pretty good shot at landing a starting job as a rookie. He is physical enough to hold up at the point of attack and flashed an ability to penetrate into the backfield while in college. Missing OTAs shouldn’t provide too much of an obstacle to making that happen, although Wolfe’s frustrated all the same.
“It’s frustrating because I want to be out there with my teammates,” Wolfe said. “But it’s one of those things where it’s out of my control. I’ve been working out back here at home. I wish I was back there, believe me.”
Wolfe is the third Broncos draft pick to sign.