Ex-Chargers NT Williams visits Denver as free agent
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Less than a week after being released by the San Diego Chargers (just prior to receiving his roster bonus), former Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jamaal Williams was in Denver sizing up the Broncos. The Dove Valley staff was surely sizing up the bullish behemoth (6′3″, 350-pound) to decide whether or not he can still eat up two blockers per down.
Jamaal Williams was tagged in his hey-day as the prototype Nose Tackle in a 3-4 defense. He anchored a series of San Diego defensive lines known for their ability to bring pressure up the middle, and Williams was the guy resetting the line of scrimmage with each step. He appears to be the type of veteran defensive lineman that the new Broncos Admin prefers, and would be especially helpful as the team transitions. Williams was a pioneer of the modern incarnation of the 3-4 defensive scheme after San Diego made the big switch in 2004.
The Broncos already signed their apparent starting NT in University of Colorado Alum Justin Bannan (formerly of the Ravens & Bills) to a rock-solid five year deal. But that doesn’t mean that Williams would be out of place in Denver. After a year in which he only played one game due to a triceps injury, and at 34 years old, Jamaal may be better off in a platoon with the younger Bannan (30) leading the charge. After all, versatility and depth at the Nose Tackle position is a rare but potent luxury for teams that can afford it.
The Broncos’ roster moves so far this off-season indicate that Denver is gathering veteran depth as they seek to establish traditions on which to rebuild the franchise. Keeping to that form, the Broncos will take a look at New England Patriots Defensive End Jarvis Green later this week. Green posted one of the best statistical seasons of his 9-year career in ‘09-’10.
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