Wilson defends Dumervil's ability to play in the NFL

[SoCalBronco]

Wilson defends Dumervil’s ability to play in the NFL
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Email this story | Print By Associated Press
May 31, 2006
DENVER — Denver Broncos veteran inside linebacker Al Wilson on Wednesday took issue with those who would criticize Elvis Dumervil’s 5 foot 11 inch stature and his ability to play in the NFL.
Wilson is barely 6 feet tall.

"That is overrated when you get caught up in stats and you get caught up in size, weight and strength," Wilson said. "I test a guy’s heart on Sunday and what he can do for us to help us win and Dumervil is one of those guys.

"I saw some things from him today in team drills that shows me he can be a hell of a football player," Wilson said of the draft pick from Louisville. "You don’t get 75 sacks in high school and be one of the leading sack guys in college just from talent."

The Broncos defense returns all its defensive lineman from last season, except for Trevor Pryce who went to Baltimore in March, in a unit coach Mike Shanahan appears happy with.

Wilson agrees.

"We have enough key guys in certain areas to where you really don’t have to make any changes," Wilson said. "Maybe we can bring in a couple of guys here and there, but overall we’re where we want to be defensively."

Wilson however can’t forget the 34-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

"It still lingers now," said the eight-year veteran linebacker. "I was watching highlights of the game a couple of days ago and I had to turn them off simply because it was a tough loss."

The sight of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Rothlisberger moving up and down the field on time consuming drives was particularly nerve wracking for Wilson. The Broncos defense just couldn’t make stops on third down and get the ball back in the hands of the offense as it had most of their season.

Pittsburgh converted 63 percent (10-of-16) of its third down situations in the title game. Regular season opponents were a mere 37 percent successful on third down against the Broncos.

"It has been a point of emphasis so far," Wilson said of correcting the problems on third down. "We’re going to make some corrections and do some things differently to get off the football field, but we definitely plan on improving in that area."

That and the number of sacks from a defense that produced just 23 last season.

"We know we didn’t (get enough of them)," he said. "We had a lot of pressure on the quarterback though, but statistically we didn’t get enough sacks."

The Broncos completed their first of six days of team camp, returning to the field Thursday and Friday and three days next week.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_4741595,00.html

[watermock]

It's so enlightening that we have all watched the Rhinos video allready.

Al Wilson's stamp of approval is good enough for me. but he constantly talks about learning.

Al Wilson puts Ray Ray to shame and gets no kudos.

He sounds like Shanahan.

[Kaylore]

Two years ago turnovers, Redzone production, and special teams were all a problem. Last offseason those areas became a point of emphasis and we went from last to top five in one year. I'm hoping that the same kind of turnaround happens for sacks and our third down defense.

Dumervil has been so explosive for so long, I have to wonder if he won't be able to at least make some noise in the pros. We'll see, I guess.

[epa86b@netzero]

For years, I felt that the Broncos needed to take a flyer on someone leading or close to leading the NCAA in sacks the previous year.

I believe that Elvis will help some because getting to the QB is a mind set and
he has that mind set. He may not be dominate but I could see him getting a couple timely sacks based on his speed.

At the least, the Broncos gave it the old college try.

[DrFate]

Elvis is a fabulous risk/reward guy. If a 4th round pick gets 8+ sacks, it is genius. If he flops, it was a 2nd day pick. This kind of pick is MUCH better than reaching on a guy like Kiwi in the 1st (who also got pushed around by good competition at the Senior Bowl)

[Garcia Bronco]

I still say Elvis has been stepped on....:)

[broncosteven]

Below is from Denver post, I hope Coyer & line coaches can get push out of all Line men & in game time situations Coyer is not afraid to let the line loose & attack the QB. Coyer was predictable in games last year which was my gripe with him over last 2 years.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3885783

There are essentially two ways for a defense to address a pass rush: personnel and scheme.

The Broncos' talent equation this offseason has been mixed. They added another former Cleveland Browns veteran in defensive end Kenard Lang and drafted Louisville defensive end Elvis Dumervil, but they also subtracted Trevor Pryce, who had been their most talented lineman for nearly a decade.
The Broncos also believe they have found another pass-rushing gem in Corey Jackson, a former college basketball rebounder.

As for the defense designed by coordinator Larry Coyer, there has been consideration that less is more. Pryce has said the Broncos' reliance on the blitz - only Pittsburgh blitzed with greater frequency in 2005 - made it difficult for defensive linemen to register sacks. How's that?

A lineman's role on a blitz, Pryce said, is to hold up the blockers so the attacking linebacker, safety or cornerback can come free. Apparently, blitzes are great for forcing interceptions but not for sacks.

"Sacks usually generate from up front," Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "The blitzes and pressures, offenses usually try to beat those with quick throws."

By the time the Broncos played Roethlisberger in their 18th game of the season, the blitz had seemingly gained in predictability what it lost in surprise.

"I know Coach Coyer wants the front four guys to apply that pressure," Warren said.

[bronco militia]

I still say Elvis has been stepped on....:)


ha ha!

[ludo21]

Im hoping Elvis can step up big for us, if he could, that would be huge!

And I really hope that Coyer will "let the dawgs loose".

[12th man]

Im glad we got this guy. he can get to the qb. His weight and height should not be a factor. He led the nation in sacks so, obviously it hasn't effected him yet. Also im sure people were worried about Darrant williams casue if his height, and how is that turning out?

[DrFate]

I still say Elvis has been stepped on....:)

You would... :)

You got that Marcus Vick Fins jersey yet, Garcia?

;)

[TotallyScrewed]

The worry about Darrent Williams was more the injury situation. I'd say those concerns aren't totally assuaged yet. Darrent is a football player and hits harder than his size says he can. Let hope that Elvis is THAT kind of player too.

[Ballhawk]

Below is from Denver post, I hope Coyer & line coaches can get push out of all Line men & in game time situations Coyer is not afraid to let the line loose & attack the QB. Coyer was predictable in games last year which was my gripe with him over last 2 years.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3885783

There are essentially two ways for a defense to address a pass rush: personnel and scheme.

The Broncos' talent equation this offseason has been mixed. They added another former Cleveland Browns veteran in defensive end Kenard Lang and drafted Louisville defensive end Elvis Dumervil, but they also subtracted Trevor Pryce, who had been their most talented lineman for nearly a decade.
The Broncos also believe they have found another pass-rushing gem in Corey Jackson, a former college basketball rebounder.

As for the defense designed by coordinator Larry Coyer, there has been consideration that less is more. Pryce has said the Broncos' reliance on the blitz - only Pittsburgh blitzed with greater frequency in 2005 - made it difficult for defensive linemen to register sacks. How's that?

A lineman's role on a blitz, Pryce said, is to hold up the blockers so the attacking linebacker, safety or cornerback can come free. Apparently, blitzes are great for forcing interceptions but not for sacks.

"Sacks usually generate from up front," Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren said. "The blitzes and pressures, offenses usually try to beat those with quick throws."

By the time the Broncos played Roethlisberger in their 18th game of the season, the blitz had seemingly gained in predictability what it lost in surprise.

"I know Coach Coyer wants the front four guys to apply that pressure," Warren said.

Great post!

Our Dline is much more talented than they get credit for. It gets rather boring hearing some pander on about how we have a bunch of backups on our Dline. When the facts are that the scheme they played was designed to stop the run and get TOs, which they excelled at. If the scheme was designed for them to get sacks, I have no doubt they would get them. I believe each and every Dlineman had career low sack numbers last year, that right there should point towards the scheme and away from the players.

[broncosteven]

Great post!

Our Dline is much more talented than they get credit for. It gets rather boring hearing some pander on about how we have a bunch of backups on our Dline. When the facts are that the scheme they played was designed to stop the run and get TOs, which they excelled at. If the scheme was designed for them to get sacks, I have no doubt they would get them. I believe each and every Dlineman had career low sack numbers last year, that right there should point towards the scheme and away from the players.


As Elvis would say: A Thank-you, thank-you very much (but in an Elvis voice slured because he was hopped up on goofballs & painkillers).

[plummershelper]

Dumervil stated recently that he got all those sacks by being juiced up on peanut butter and bannana sandwiches, like any good Elvis would.

[The Big E]

Dumervil stated recently that he got all those sacks by being juiced up on peanut butter and bannana sandwiches, like any good Elvis would.
Don't forget the white jumpsuit he wears under his uniform.

[elsid13]

Back on subject - Warren in video on the official site said that Dumervil was very polished and it was great pick up for Denver. Nice Hype time to show that he worth it.

[broncosteven]

Don't forget the white jumpsuit he wears under his uniform.


How long are his Sideburns?

[TexanBob]

The Broncos also believe they have found another pass-rushing gem in Corey Jackson, a former college basketball rebounder.

I thought those guys were made into tight ends.

[elsid13]

The interesting part of the Warren interview was when said thou they would miss Pryce, they had a lot "swing" guys on the roster able to play DE/DT. I wonder if we will see Jackson, Brown and some bigger DE rotate into the middle during passing downs.

[Garcia Bronco]

You would... :)

You got that Marcus Vick Fins jersey yet, Garcia?

;)


What a terrible thought.

[broncohaven]

I missed rhino's video, anyone got a link?

[cutthemdown]

typical pre training camp hype to try and build confidence in a young player. Dumerville more then likely wont make dline rotation as a rookie unless someone gets injured.

[elsid13]

You would...

You got that Marcus Vick Fins jersey yet, Garcia?.




What a terrible thought.


Since it mostly going to be orange jump suit, you tell everyone it the "in" thing for Broncos fans. But I still haven't come with an excuse for the "Property of Miami Police Dept" on back

[DeusExManning]

I missed rhino's video, anyone got a link?

When did Elvis get the Rhino nickname?

[broncohaven]

It's so enlightening that we have all watched the Rhinos video allready.

Al Wilson's stamp of approval is good enough for me. but he constantly talks about learning.

Al Wilson puts Ray Ray to shame and gets no kudos.

He sounds like Shanahan.
I have not watched the Rhinos video. WHERE IS IT?

[Jason in LA]

So what's the big knock on this guy? Is it just his height, or is there something else?

I don't follow college as closely as the pros, so I had never heard of this guy before the Broncos drafted him. How can a guy produce that much and not get drafted high? Was he in some gimmic scheme that allowed him to get all those sacks? Was it poor competition? Of did all the teams just miss on this guy, including the Broncos for 3 rounds?

From what I've seen, this guy looks like a beast. I don't get why he dropped so far. I kind of laugh when I hear that it was because of his height. He's no midget. What does height have to do with getting around an OT? Okay, he's not going to knock many passes down at the LOS, but if he can put pressure on the QB, who cares how tall he is?

[-Slap-]

Quote:
The Broncos also believe they have found another pass-rushing gem in Corey Jackson, a former college basketball rebounder.

I thought those guys were made into tight ends.

I'll bet Charles Barkley could have been an All Universe defensive end. Unreal speed and agility for a 300 pounder, plus a mean streak a mile wide.

[broncosteven]

typical pre training camp hype to try and build confidence in a young player. Dumerville more then likely wont make dline rotation as a rookie unless someone gets injured.


Ever hear of Demeterian Veal? He had a lot of playing time last year. I think if a player proves to the coaches he can do his job he will get some time, wheather it is E.D. or this Cory Jackson project they are hyping.

[Arkansas Bronco]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=5642
Cool article on the teams site today.

[watermock]

Back on subject - Warren in video on the official site said that Dumervil was very polished and it was great pick up for Denver. Nice Hype time to show that he worth it.

If Al Wilson and Big Money give their stamp of approval, good enough for me. As Bonnie Rait says..."it's too soon to tell.." but I sniff a great draft. Marshall has allready turned heads. Maybe Hixon fell because of the foot, and there's Elvis in the building. Cutler is getting kudos big time and isn't taking no for an answer. The only ones kinda quiet seem to be the Chef and our late pick, which is understandable. How can't you not like a name like Elvis Dumervil. :sunshine:

[watermock]

I'll bet Charles Barkley could have been an All Universe defensive end. Unreal speed and agility for a 300 pounder, plus a mean streak a mile wide.

No doubt. I don't think much of him for an analyst, but he played big. He OWNED the boards for a 6-6 guy.

[watermock]

I think it's good they are moving him around the line. I think he will be a pass rushing specialist but playing all the positions will educate him on the scheme. Hell, in a few years, if he would bulk up to 300 as he matures, I think he might be a good DT

[Pendejo]

So what's the big knock on this guy? Is it just his height, or is there something else?

I don't follow college as closely as the pros, so I had never heard of this guy before the Broncos drafted him. How can a guy produce that much and not get drafted high? Was he in some gimmic scheme that allowed him to get all those sacks? Was it poor competition? Of did all the teams just miss on this guy, including the Broncos for 3 rounds?

From what I've seen, this guy looks like a beast. I don't get why he dropped so far. I kind of laugh when I hear that it was because of his height. He's no midget. What does height have to do with getting around an OT? Okay, he's not going to knock many passes down at the LOS, but if he can put pressure on the QB, who cares how tall he is?

He's small for a defensive lineman. According to the Donk's official site he's 5'11 tall, and weighs 258. He played at Louisville which is a good program, but it's not one of the elite big time schools.

I'm just guessing that he dropped because of his size, and the level of competition he played against in college. That almost has to be it...because his numbers speak for themselves. They're outstanding.

According to the Rat...even though he's only 5'11...he has the wing span of a guy who's like 6'3 or 6'4...which is obviously a big deal.

His body type is very similar to Dwight Freeney's (sp?)...if he turns out to be half the pass rusher that the aforementioned is...the Donk's will have made out like bandits.

It was a good pick...he'll get every chance to prove that he can play in the NFL. The dude has dominated at every level he's played at. I'm excited to see him in action.