The Broncos used their first draft pick on defensive lineman Derek Wolfe in 2012 and they followed up this year by opening their draft with another big fella to stick on the front line.
Defensive tackle Sylvester Williams from North Carolina is the man this time around. The Broncos made him the 28th overall pick of the draft in hopes of improving their defense after winning the AFC West last season.
Williams should join Kevin Vickerson and Terrance Knighton in the rotation at defensive tackle and should be on the field when the Broncos are trying to get after the quarterback on passing downs. He’s got the right size and ability, but Williams will have to show consistency to move to the top of the depth chart in Denver. With Wolfe at end and Von Miller at outside linebacker, the Broncos are starting to put some young foundations in place for their defense moving forward.
They might need to turn to a veteran for pass rushing help in the short term, though. Elvis Dumervil’s shoes haven’t been filled and the Broncos might not have a better choice for that role than signing either Dwight Freeney or John Abraham.