Denver Broncos Defensive Tackle Competition

The defensive tackle position, for the Broncos, has needed to be upgraded for quite some time. They finally upgraded in the draft by getting Sylvester Williams and in free agency by picking up Terrance Knighton. 

Williams is a very talented player. In his senior season, he suffered a nagging ankle injury, but he played through it. He is a good pass rusher, but he is a better run stopper. The Broncos run defense was really good last season, but the interior pass rush was really lacking. Williams is a better pass rusher than any other defensive tackle on the roster. He will add to an already formidable pass rush, QB's wont be able to step up in the pocket anymore in order to avoid Von Miller. Williams should be on this team for a very long time and I could see him having a Trevor Pryce like impact on this defense.

Knighton is not much of a pass rusher, but he run stopping ability is invaluable. He had a couple of bad seasons in Jacksonville, but reuniting with Jack Del Rio should do him wonders. Knighton will have to fight for the starting job, but I think he should be able to obtain it. He will clog up running lanes on first and second down, but likely wont be on the field during passing downs. 

Kevin Vickerson, Mitch Unrein and Sealver Silga will be fighting for the last two spots on the team. Vickerson and Unrein were starters last season and one of them could very well pass up Knighton. They are both talented, but they are not on the level of Williams. Even if a player doesn't start they will still get a lot of playing time because defensive tackles are subbed in and out a lot during a game in order to keep them fresh. Silga is a long shot to make the team, but he will likely be placed on the practice squad. 

I am 99% sure that Williams will start from day one. He is too balanced as a run stopper and pass rusher not to start. I think Knighton will start, but I am less sure. He needs to show the coaches that he wants to play and I think he will since he his back with Jack Del Rio. Vickerson could easily pass up Knighton on the depth chart. He played very well last season and if that continues, look out for him. I like Unrein a lot, but I dont think he will start. He is a good rotation player and that is needed very much since the line is substituted a lot. Silga's best chance is on the practice squad. 

The defensive tackles have been improved since last season and should provide good run stopping and better pass rushing.