Derek Wolfe Pre-Draft Analysis
It’s official, Derek Wolfe has been selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round. This is particularly surprising because most ‘draft experts’ figured he would go to a pure 3-4 team like the New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead Wolfe was selected by the Bronco’s who use a hybrid 4-3 in that they operate out of this as the base-D but flip to the 3-4 seamlessly during games. It a sense this is kind of perfect for big #95 because the Bearcats do a similar thing with their defense. He should be very familiar with those schemes.
Wolfe will join defense that ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in total yards per game (20th) and particularly against the run (22nd). Surely the defensive lineman’s 21.5 tackles for loss intrigued Bronco’s GM John Elway and the addition of Wolfe will probably move those numbers in the right direction. But despite giving up quite a few yards on the ground Denver’s defense wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks ranking 10th in the NFL in sacks. Part of this is the scheme that can confused offensive lines at times as they continuously switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4. But it also helps to have bulldozers like Elvis Dumervil plowing their way to the quarterback. Undoubtedly the Broncos didn’t want to risk a drop off in this area which is probably why they targeted Wolfe, who was 11th in the nation with 9.5 sacks last season.
Congratulations Derek!