Jim Bates in DEN (1 Viewer)

[Iron_Far]

Champ's been studly, and the LBs have been serviceable.

Does Bates addition to the team make the LBs STUDS ?

 

[lord_helmet]

I vote yes, but the key is keeping the OL off the backers. They have signed big daddy to play some snaps, but untill more upgrades are in place to the DL I will only be moderately excited.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I was considering bumping Al Wilson some when the coordinator change happened. Bates' scheme usually highlights the MLB as a tackling position and a good three down WLB can put up numbers too. Bates said this week, though, that DJ Williams could assume much of Wilson's nickel snaps**. That should kill any potential shot Wilson has at LB1 numbers if it works out that way.

**Another change for the linebackers could come in the amount of snaps strongside linebacker D.J. Williams gets next season. The previous defensive coaching staff took him off the field in nickel situations, meaning Williams played less than 70 percent of the team's total defensive snaps. But Baker promised he'll get a fair shot to displace Al Wilson in the nickel role in offseason camps.

 

[lord_helmet]

Ouch I traded for Wilson the minute I heard about Bates coming, but I think its odd that he would mention Wilson by name to be replaced in the nickel. Sure a new will say that there will be an open battle in camp, but it rarely turns out that way. Any direct qoute to what he said ?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Ouch I traded for Wilson the minute I heard about Bates coming, but I think its odd that he would mention Wilson by name to be replaced in the nickel. Sure a new will say that there will be an open battle in camp, but it rarely turns out that way. Any direct qoute to what he said ?

Can't find a direct link to the press conference. I think it's reasonable to assume that Ian Gold is safe in the nickel packages even if Baker/Bates didn't mention a LB by name.

 

[lord_helmet]

I'm all for camp battles, anything that makes the Donks better is more important than my fantasy team. Wilson is no slouch in coverage either tho, and untill a change is actually announced I will expect him to stay in the nickel

ETA: I gave up a 3rd rounder and Antonio Bryant for him, so however it turns out I guess I can live with it

 

[TecmoBeast]

There's some rumors floating around that the Broncos offered Al Wilson in a trade to Washington to move up to the #6 spot. If true, it's surprising since Denver fans love him

 

[Lord of the Rings]

DJ Williams has been sitting on the free agent wire in one of my IDP heavy leagues. I'm so tempted to pick him up because his talent seems too great to pass by. But will his situation change any to warrent adding him at this point?

 

[Jene Bramel]

DJ Williams has been sitting on the free agent wire in one of my IDP heavy leagues. I'm so tempted to pick him up because his talent seems too great to pass by. But will his situation change any to warrent adding him at this point?

See the quote/link in post 3 in this thread. Williams may see more time in nickel packages this season which would bump his production some and give him LB3 upside. But until he moves from the strong side to someplace he won't have to take on as many blockers, he'll struggle to do better than other three down LOLBs/SLBs like Derrick Johnson, Thomas Davis or Marcus Washington from a tackle perspective and have IDP value equal to his talent.

 

[Tick]

I think DJ Williams is a guy to grab. He's got the talent, and if he ever gets a shot in another position, he could explode. Even at SLB, he could be Dansby. I doubt there's a more talented player available on waivers in most leagues.

 

[Lord of the Rings]

Just missed picking him up in one of my leagues by about 15 minutes. Should have followed my instincts a week ago. Fortunately I'm deep at LB, but man that would have been sweet having him in the fold if things shake out in Denver (Wilson gone, DJ moved to ILB).