Two Broncos outside linebackers represent the team on a pair of lists released this week. Weakside linebacker Wesley Woodyard was named to USA Today’s All-Joe Team and strongside linebacker Von Miller earned a spot on NFL.com’s All-Under-25 Team.
Woodyard led the Broncos with 114 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions in 2012. He earned his first AFC Defensive Player of the Week award following his performance against New Orleans in which he became just the ninth player since 1982 to record at least 10 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble in the same game.
Also in 2012, Woodyard became the first Broncos linebacker since Al Wilson in 2004 to record multiple interceptions in a season and joined Hall-of-Fame running back Floyd Little as the only players in team history to serve as a captain in their first five seasons with the club.
“You won’t find many NFL linebackers who are 6 feet tall and 229 pounds,” USA Today wrote about the five-year veteran. “Other than Woodyard, you won’t find anyone in the last five seasons who managed to make 100 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions in one season.”
Miller earned his selection after setting the Broncos’ single-season sacks record with 18.5 quarterback takedowns in 2012. He became the first Bronco to earn Pro Bowl selections in each of his first two NFL seasons and was named an Associated Press All-Pro after finishing in the top five in sacks, quarterback knockdowns, quarterback hurries, tackles for a loss, run stuffs and forced fumbles in the league during his second NFL season.
The 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year tallied 24.5 sacks in his first 25 career games, which ranked second in NFL history behind Derrick Thomas (25.0) in a player’s first first 25 career games.
“In two NFL seasons, Miller has 30 sacks,” NFL.com wrote about the 23-year old linebacker. “He’s an athletic mismatch for anyone trying to stop him in pass protection, and he’s no slouch against the run. Every team is looking for the next Miller.”
Tags: All-Joe Team, Von Miller, Wesley Woodyard
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!!!
VON MANNING FOOTBALL 2013!!!! CAN’T WAIT
Way to go WW and VM! STUDS, I maintained all season that LB was the strength of our D… and had to listen to some HORRIBLE arguments about our our DL was the ‘Deepest’ blah blah blah…
You guys are amazing!!! Keep making us proud…
I’ll go so far as to say, that if we line up Miller, Williams and Woodyard Next season we would have a top 3 LB Corp, bested only by SF, and SEA..
I like the look of that already… Pencil that in as my BBBP OSS… DJ Williams starting MLB for the DB’s in 2013!!!
(And before you try to tell me that DJ is a Will Backer, go look up how productive he’s been at every other LB Position he’s played… He can handle it no problem, and not only handle it, with STUDS like VM and WW on either side, he would dominate!!! Denver just needs SOME BEEF to keep the opposing OL’s off our second level, but I’ve been saying that for over two years…)
Still think a 1st or 2nd round guy at MLB would be better/cheaper than DJ.
I’ll agree with Cheaper, but as far as Cap distribution goes, I think our LB as a corp is way under what the talent level is… VM is on a Rookie deal that is club friendly when compared to what he is worth and WW is a bargain at his current number…
I believe DJ will restructure and do what he can, and I think his production at MLB would be far greater than any Rookie would be… 1st and 2nd Round in the draft should be DL then OL in that Order… BEEF is what we need to be adding, we have several talented pieces at LB, including Irving who I think will see his time increase greatly…
Most of the time a restructure means that they will still receive the same overall pay over the course of the contract but they will take less now and more later. I highly doubt Denver even attempts anything like that with any of its players. That is a win now and pay consequences later attitude that Shanny use to try. That isn’t happening any more.
True, WW and VM are steals at their current prices but they will be up for paydays soon (especially Miller). DJ will most likely be a casualty of this situation as a viable option at a cheaper price is inevitable.
Inevitable is kind of a soft word… Of course it will happen ‘someday’ but as far as 2013 I think DJ give the team by far the greatest chance to ‘Win Now’… He is the most talented option, and there is lot’s of other fat that could/should be trimmed
is alot of* eeeesh, sound like hillbillie…
If DJ stays it’ll be for approximately 2 million. I can see him at MLB still, but do the Broncos want to cut the ties? I makes me wonder.
BT: It’s wriitten in the good book of 2013 BBBPs.
Still trying to find time to read your e-mail attachment. Busier than a one armed paper hanger.
Excellent OSS!!! Hopefully this one isn’t as far off as last years!!!
Strand, I believe 2 Million is just right… I think it’s fair to DJ, and to the team, and hopefully that’s where they end up!!!
If DJ is a Denver Bronco and for a decent price I won’t wig about it. LOL
And if DJ plays MLB this year, I believe we don’t address that position with our 1st round pick. We’ll most likely go DT which is must if we want lots of beef. HaHa!!
I think Micheal Vick is a great example of how players can change the terms of their contract, he went from a multi-year deal of a base 15m to a one-year 10m max deal if he reaches all his incentives…
Any player can take less to help the team, it’s their choice
i just want the BRONCOS to win SUPERBOWL48!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Knox career in football is over.
Percy Harvin wants a megatron contract.
Poor Johnny Knox… I’m glad he realizes he’s not going to be able to do it again, but it’s still seriously heartbreaking. I love that kid.
Percy Harvin isn’t even as good as DT in my opinion. I’d rather save our money and give DT that contract in two years.
Don’t forget to write your letters guys!!!! Here’s the link again: http://www.southstandsdenver.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2797:join-the-#thankyoupeyton-movement-today&Itemid=150
Great to see Von Miller and Wesley Woodyard recognized yet again! Congrats to both players!!
There is some talk of Nate Irving stepping up and competing for MLB position this year as well.
Should be interesting month of F/A.
Johnny Knox injury reminded me of the late Darryl Stingley who was paralyzed by Raider Jack Tatum.
Glad to see he’ll be able to walk away from the game on his own power.
Fun article.
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/41599002
Terrance Knighton DT 6-3 330 26 year old 4 year pro FA from the Jaguars. JDR drafted and knows him and what he can and cant do. If they really want someone big on the interior DL I wouldnt be surprised if they went this way. He would come cheap also.
Currently the most popular mock pick for Denver at 28 is Kawann Short.
Now thats Beef. Hey if JDR knows the inside and outs of this player and he would benefit our DT position then why not. So he was waived huh? I just got home from the job site.
Oh, he’s a FA. It could happen, but we got a month.
to the guys who think that DJ Williams is the man in the middle;I want what you are smoking! The guy is average at best and his cap value is 7.6 million. He Has never and I mean never been a GREAT linebacker! Tell me different.
hei rako,
I agree with you on DJ. He was at his best playing OLB. Miss the days where it was Gold,Wilson,Dj…THE FASTEST and meanest LB corp.. Now we have Miller, ____, WOodyard….. we need a true MLB … a fast one..its either Minter or Brown. FA wont be the answer but only a short term help at best.
Todays game is more spread offense, fast athletic TEs, and mobile QBs…. we need to a new young core for years to come.
*ranko
I apologize for the typo…
Charles Woodson will be released by the Packers. Hes old but still productive. i wouldnt mind seeing him at safety alongside with Moore or Carter. he wouldnt cost much but i know Elway not going to pull the trigger on him
John Elway came out and said that we will be tagging Ryan Clady.
Charles Woodson available…. Loved him in Michigan, but he still has Raider Taint all over him…
Ranko!!! So glad you asked… this is my favorite part of the blog! Sharing common Knowledge…
Not sure how you define ‘Great’ and I won’t try to provide a concrete definition but let’s find some common ground/at a common position, and then hopefully it hits you like a ton of bricks!!!
We all can agree that Patrick Willis is one of the very best ILB’s in the Game… he Plays the Jack Backer on a Superbowl calibre defense surrounded by studs… his numbers for 2010, and 2012 (I ommitted 2011 because he was hurt a substantial part of the season) are as follows…
PW 2010 Tackles 128, Sacks 6, Ints 0, FF 2 Passes Defensed 5
2012 Tackles 120, Sacks .5, Ints 2, FF 2 Passes Defensed 9
DJ Williams Stats for the TWO Seasons he played the same position in Denver under Mike Nolan
DW 2009 Tackles 122, Sacks 3.5, Ints 0, FF 3, Passes Defensed 7
2010 Tackles 119, Sacks 5.5, Ints 0, FF 1, Passed Defensed 9 (and he missed playing time due to a DUI Arrest)
I can’t tell you he is ‘Great’ because it is such a poorly defined word… but his numbers do, as you can plainly see, stack up very favorably to the best in the game at his position… Hate all you want, but go do some research before you state your oppinion as fact…
BT you gotta be happy. Faried in the Dunk contest.
No discussions about Freeney? Hmmm…thought you guys would be alive by now with different views about bringing Freeney in here. Oh well.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000139589/article/dwight-freeney-wont-return-to-indianapolis-colts
Alaska, we knew that Clady was getting the tag. Its funny watching the NFLN and they say silly things such as Ryan Clady is a FA and the top LT available. YEAH RIGHT, IN YOUR DREAMS! Those idoits! Clady will be a Bronco for years to come.
I figured with Clady’s shoulder surgery he’d end up with the tag.
DJ Williams is a wild card. I think he could make a serviceable MLB. At least until Irving could take over or until a better option becomes available. I don’t think Brooking was terrible. Mays regressed more than anybody expected. And then the injury derailed him. As for any FA, Urlacher seems to be the only option that is on the same level. And if DJ can put up numbers like turtle presented- oh yeah! (Great job putting those together my Wyoming friend!!!)
Freeney is an interesting debate. I’m leaning towards no. But wouldn’t be opposed if he came over. We already have Wolfe and Elvis. Plus Jason Hunter was working with 1st team defense before his injury side lined him. So if they go FA pick up, I’d rather just see him resigned.
Maybe it’s because I want to see Richard Seymour on our DL. Even with his raider stink. I think he’d be way more valuable than Freeney. I know he’s played DE & DT and it seems JDR likes his DL to be versatile.
Elvis- Seymour- Wolfe- Hunter. Seems formidable. With Unrein, Jackson and resign Vickerson for Depth. Plus Ben Garland is waiting in the wings.
I’d spend that FA money on Bruton, he’s a special ST player. And maybe a veteran safety. Say like Dashon Ghoulston. That’s a pipe dream, I know.
But we do like our Veteran presence back there. And that comes down to Ed Reed or possibly Charles Woodson. On 2nd though. Shell out the contract for that guy from SF. We need Moore help in the secondary, is what’s clear to us all. Lol
Offense is pretty easy. WR depth. O-Line Depth. RB Depth. RB depth. And I should mention. RB DEPTH…
Btw, my brothers wedding is April 5th. Guess what their colors are- Blue & Orange!!!
Strand I know we all figured it. Just glad John Elway came out and said it.
I wouldnt be opposed to Freeny if he came cheap as either subbing in behind Wolfe or moving Wolfe inside and Freeny on the edge. But I dont think hed come as cheap as I would hope.
Im not big on the Seymour idea. Couple other DTs who would come cheaper which would be nice this year.
Freeney might have another productive year or 2 left in him and thats a stretch. He is rather old but with the window we have with Peyton it could work.
Freeney was asked to do the same thing Elvis was under McD. Freeney seems kinda banged up, but if he has any gas left in the tank, add some nitro….lol.
Good evening Royal. Nice one. LOL
Talking about draft and finding sleepers I like http://nfldraftzone.com/draft-news/draft-zone-spotlight-daniel-youssif-te-university-of-west-georgia/ This guy is a beast!!
No Freeney!!
I would guess we will bring on the beef!! Draft is deep on the D-Line! Then a good running Back! Then look for a good OL at right gard! Then DB!! Move DJ to the middle with new contract!
JE did as all expected and taged Clady! And as a class act will work on a long term contract!! My hope is Manning will help!
ILMSDB!!
Denver is likely to look into Woodson as they continue to look for help in their secondary.
I still don’t like Manning, and I like DJ much less! Obviously DJ has the stats…but I’m happier with Brookings, Mays, or a new rookie draftee.
I watched Champ get run off his feet at least twice last season by #1 receivers who beat Champ by a lot. Champ needs to back down to the #2 corner. Forget safety – never happen.
Happy to hear about the Clady franchise tag! Get’m Elway!!!
McG is old and fragile – Moreno is young and fragile – Ball? I can’t figure how he makes the team, and Hillman is a solid #3 HB. The Broncos need a running game, and the lack of a running game in the post season is the real reason the Broncos didn’t go all the way. GIVE ME A BACK. Keep Hester and go for a true workhorse / everydown / running back – that can block, push a pile, and find some holes.
Hola DB! good to see you around! Do you have a RB in mind that has these skills that we can pluck at 28? I’d be for it, but would definitely prefer some BEEF!!!! on the DL and the OL… but there is no debate this team needs a stud RB
AB, I’m very excited that Faried is in the Dunk Contest! I’m sure people got sick of me talking Nuggets here last year but Faried is SOOOO much fun to watch! The MANIMAL!!! gotta love him!
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!!
sndvl! Glad you liked the numbers! I couldn’t resist an opportunity to make a point like that…
Also for the Record… There is a matter of a pre-season wager that involved Fishing trips in my neck of the Woods! Those that I owe know who you are! contact me and we will start organizing you a fishing trip!!!
Hey mouse trap that is one aggressive TE and it would be something if eddie lacy was still on the board at 28 .
This is the best article I’ve seen all year. I’m sure some will disagree, but a big, physical, bruising type RB is our biggest need IMO. I know we need to add depth to other areas, but no other position is such a glaring need. I’m tired of watching our RB’s go down to injury, becoming one dimensional, and then dusting off the golf clubs early… GET IT DONE!!!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000139339/article/denver-broncos-reportedly-will-add-physical-tailback
Chiefs may try and trade for Foles. Not that surprising to me.
Just saw someone on twitter saying that Denver should resign Ty Warren for a very very cheap contract. 1 year 1 mil and do the same with Porter. His reasoning is because we need that help on the DL and Secondary and both can provide depth if they stay healthy.
Denver should eye Bell from Michigan State. He is a monster and should be that workhorse we are all looking for. Let Hillman be that change of pace guy with speed and elusiveness and let Bell pound the rock, or jump over guys! Watch his highlight reel. I like lacey, but he will not make it to #28
AB, I can see Foles playing QB in K.C. and put them back on the map. That would be a nice fit I think.