Finding Broncos: Two Defensive Linemen to Improve the Trenches

The Broncos need to add depth to the defensive line, whether on the edge or along the interior. Versatility to be able to play multiple alignments and still be able to win adds value to a defense in a way that cannot be overstated. Let's look at a couple of guys that fit this mold that may be enticing for the Broncos.

Adetomiwa Adebawore | DL/Edge | Northwestern

Pros:

An absolute freak of an athlete with a prototypical build.
Can play anywhere along the defensive line from the 2-technique to the 6-technique.
He is incredibly assignment-sound and doesn't run himself out of the play very often.
Tons of power conversion from the hips to the shoulders.
Leverages nicely to put blockers on skates at times.
A four-year player with loads of experience against top offensive line prospects.
Solid production behind the line of scrimmage with 24.5 tackles for loss.
He attacks the B-Gaps well after crossing the face of the tackle.
Run defense is his strongest skill set on the field.

Cons:

Hands are inactive with little counter moves to disengage.
Initial punch strength is lacking.
Stiff lower half with lack of change of direction.
Overly patient as a playmaker. Needs to be more urgent to shed and attack, especially as a pass rusher.
Pad-level inconsistency allows blockers to move his frame easily at times.
Very linear player.
He doesn't play to his athleticism and can unlock an incredible upside if he does so.
Play recognition is severely lacking, especially on misdirection plays.
Though built well, there is a tweener aspect to his

Overview:

Adetomiwa Adebawore is a powerful player that possesses alien-like athleticism for his size. Though that athleticism doesn't shine on tape as you would hope, the tools are there to unlock an incredibly high potential as an interior defensive lineman or as a true defensive end in an even-front formation.

Adebawore uses his length and strength well to keep blockers out of his framework. Still, inconsistencies with recognition and urgency to be a playmaker cloud his tape as he attaches to blockers rather than using the proper stack and shed technique. When he does get into open space, Adebawore flashes his athleticism and effort to finish plays down the field.

There is a lot to like as a projection moving forward, but there is a certain level of wanting more from him as a player in several technical aspects.

Fit with the Broncos:

The Broncos just signed a solid player in Zach Allen to replace Dre'Mont Jones to fill the interior defensive lineman role as a true 4i-5 technique. Still, there is room to add another player with that skill set. Gap responsibility is paramount in Vance Joseph's defense, and Adebawore does a great job in that aspect. While you would like to see more impact in making plays coming off the edge, Adebawore can be a solid player as a backside 7-technique defensive end that keeps contain well and doesn't move off of his spot in the running game.

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Dylan Horton | DL/Edge | TCU

Pros:

An explosive player with a violent attitude.
A red hot motor that does not stop.
Powerful initial punch that lands accurately and displaces blockers briefly.
He shows active hands and constantly tries to create separation in the upper half.
He ties his feet together with his hands to place blockers in conflict, especially when crossing the face.
First step explosiveness is a plus.
Has a nice spin move that is tight to the body and violent in the lower half.
Can win with speed around the arc if needed.

Cons:

Football instincts are lacking.
Tightness in his lower half shows a lack of change of direction ability.
Not flexible enough to win with bend around the arc.
Lack of a true pass rush plan shows frequently.
He needs to add more mass and strength to his lower half, especially in the running game.
Can get too aggressive and run upfield, opening rushing lanes and escape paths.
Technical refinement with counter moves is needed.
Slow to process and react.

Overview:

Dylan Horton is highly explosive as an athlete but needs a lot of refinement as a football player. Horton is incredibly disruptive, violent with his movements, and has a motor that doesn't quit. Working primarily as a 4i-7 technique defensive end, Horton has shown the ability to crash the B-Gap, run around the arc as a pass rusher, and hold a solid edge as a run defender. However, there needs more technical refinement to his game.

At the NFL level, Horton would project best as a true defensive end in an even front in an attack-based scheme. However, his upper body aggression, explosiveness in the lower half, and relentless attitude can develop him into a plus-level rotational player with enough upside to be a quality starter.

Fit with the Broncos:

Denver needs help along the depth of the defensive line. Horton fits the scheme as a rotational piece capable of impacting the game as an interior pass rusher from the 5-technique. With Horton's lack of refinement and Zach Allen in the room, Horton would be a fine piece to develop in the background for a couple of seasons. Horton also has some special teams versatility in his background, making him an enticing option on Day 3.

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