D.J Williams set to shine in new role - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 05-02-2007, 03:22 AM

Williams set to shine in new role of middle man
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer

D.J. Williams may be going from third-down scrub to the league's top five in tackles.

Who says coaching doesn't make a difference in the NFL?

No Broncos player figures to benefit more from the change in defensive bosses than Williams.

Under defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, Williams was a first-round outside linebacker who spent the past two years running off the field on passing downs.

Coyer was replaced this offseason by Jim Bates, who moved Williams over to the middle linebacker position vacated by Al Wilson, who was released because of a neck injury.

The NFL draft came and went last weekend with the Broncos sending a loud message by not selecting an inside linebacker: In D.J. they trust.

"He's excited about it and we feel very confident that D.J. can get the job done," Bates said.

Not only is Williams going to become an every-down player for the first time since his rookie season of 2004, the history of Bates' middle linebackers suggests he is about to record huge tackle numbers.

In Coyer's scheme, Wilson made the Pro Bowl three of four years even though he never finished among the league's top 26 in tackles.

In Bates' last five seasons as the Dolphins' coordinator, middle linebacker Zach Thomas never failed to finish among the top five in tackles, topping the NFL in 2002. Green Bay middle linebacker Nick Barnett ranked sixth with a career-high 139 tackles during his lone season with Bates in 2005.

"The mike linebacker in our scheme has to have a lot of mobility and speed, because we put a lot pressure on them," Bates said.

Roster report

After signing former Texas running back Selvin Young, the Broncos waived Cedric Cobbs, a seldom-used tailback.

Young, an undrafted free agent, was an oft-used reserve tailback for the Longhorns the past two years. A strong, physical runner, the 5-foot-10, 207- pound Young wasn't drafted primarily because he doesn't possess great speed.
"We had mixed feelings," said Young's agent, Major Adams, who also represents Tennessee and former Texas quarterback Vince Young. "In one sense you want the honor of being drafted, but at the same time you want to go to a situation that's going to be the best fit for a player. We picked Denver because the Broncos showed the most interest."

Young rushed for 591 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior and also had 23 catches. The Broncos got to know Young in recent weeks because he has been in the area working out with Longhorns teammate Kasey Studdard at the Velocity Sports Performance Center. Studdard, of Highlands Ranch, was drafted in the sixth round by Houston and coach Gary Kubiak.

The release of Cobbs and death of Damien Nash mean the Broncos' No. 3 running back behind starter Travis Henry and backup Mike Bell could be Young or Andre Hall, a second-year player from South Florida.

"We're shooting for No. 2," Adams said.

At this time last year, Cobbs was a strong candidate to replace Mike Anderson as the Broncos' lead running back.

Cobbs never took off, though. Not during the Broncos' off- season workouts, not when he muffed a kickoff late against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 and not after he suffered an ankle injury in an ill-fated return.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5796528

Clockwork Orange · 05-02-2007, 03:25 AM

Well, SoCal? What do you think?

Bob's your Information Minister · 05-02-2007, 03:29 AM

Set to shine shoes, or what? Glad he is finally finding something he is good at.

Clockwork Orange · 05-02-2007, 03:40 AM

Well, he's not joining his 3rd team in 6 years (which would officially qualify him for journeyman status) like the guy the Chefs will be lining up at MLB this year, so he's got that going for him.

I'm glad he's going to see more time and greater responsibility. They screwed the poor kid by moving him to the strong side for two years where his talents were going to waste.

SoCalBronco · 05-02-2007, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clockwork Orange

Well, SoCal? What do you think?

I am very excited and very happy that the team has now recognized its mistake and is trying to rectify it. He is going to be a lethal force now that he doesnt have to bang around with linemen and blockers all the time. His outstanding skills will be unleashed by Bates! It's about ****ing time. This is GREAT! People will be really happy, I am very confident of it.

Clockwork Orange · 05-02-2007, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

I am very excited and very happy that the team has now recognized its mistake and is trying to rectify it. He is going to be a lethal force now that he doesnt have to bang around with linemen and blockers all the time. His outstanding skills will be unleashed by Bates! It's about ****ing time. This is GREAT! People will be really happy, I am very confident of it.

I thought so.

watermock · 05-02-2007, 03:50 AM

First, they are filling a hole due to inury. It wan't anything close to a rectalification.

Your onfidence is amusing. You allready have him in the pro bowl.

Call me when he makes the Pro Bowl.

Pendejo · 05-02-2007, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

First, they are filling a hole due to inury. It wan't anything close to a rectalification.

Your onfidence is amusing. You allready have him in the pro bowl.

Call me when he makes the Pro Bowl.

Mock I have two serious questions for you.

1) What is rectalification?

2) What brand of booze do you drink? It not only gets you lit, but you're a much more prolific poster on the stuff.

AboveAverage · 05-02-2007, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pendejo

Mock I have two serious questions for you.

1) What is rectalification?

2) What brand of booze do you drink? It not only gets you lit, but you're a much more prolific poster on the stuff.

He appears to be pretty schnockered, huh?

watermock · 05-02-2007, 04:42 AM

Rectalifcation is the act of kissing someone's ass.

SoCal is thoroughly retified.

The rest is just crap that are pathetic insults.

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-02-2007, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pendejo

Mock I have two serious questions for you.

1) What is rectalification?

2) What brand of booze do you drink? It not only gets you lit, but you're a much more prolific poster on the stuff.

watermock · 05-02-2007, 05:48 AM

It's a word I made up for idiot's like yourselves.

Dedhed · 05-02-2007, 08:06 AM

I'm psyched to see DJ at Mike. He's been the most underutilized talent on the roster the last couple of years.

OrangeShadow · 05-02-2007, 08:10 AM

i didnt know we signed slevin young, thats pretty sweet

Barry Ramey · 05-02-2007, 09:21 AM

I'm hoping for more from DJ, so this is a good move to get him more involved in the action. I'm just so glad Coyer is gone.

Young has experience returning kicks, so that might give him an advantage of making the team, depending on how many RB's they keep and if Morgan is kept or not.

HEAV · 05-02-2007, 09:29 AM

DJ will rack up over 100 tackles in the Bates system.

FantomForce · 05-02-2007, 09:52 AM

Well see, right now I'm not a believer

55CrushEm · 05-02-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dedhed

I'm psyched to see DJ at Mike. He's been the most underutilized talent on the roster the last couple of years.

Seriously, here....I'm not being a wise-guy....

Are "Mike", "Sam", and "Will" commonly used terms when talking about LB's....or is this Orangemane lingo ?

Ray Finkle · 05-02-2007, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

I am very excited and very happy that the team has now recognized its mistake and is trying to rectify it. He is going to be a lethal force now that he doesnt have to bang around with linemen and blockers all the time. His outstanding skills will be unleashed by Bates! It's about ****ing time. This is GREAT! People will be really happy, I am very confident of it.

So Socal....how do you really feel?

Hotrod · 05-02-2007, 10:15 AM

Did anyone else find that article kind of odd

bronco militia · 05-02-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55CrushEm

Seriously, here....I'm not being a wise-guy....

Are "Mike", "Sam", and "Will" commonly used terms when talking about LB's....or is this Orangemane lingo ?

bwhahaha!

common lingo, crush

cmhargrove · 05-02-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HEAV

DJ will rack up over 100 tackles in the Bates system.

If he's not over 125, our team probably won't be doing too well. He is expected to put his helmet in there - a lot!

I have to admit it has been really annoying wasting DJ's talent the past two years. We will see how his leadership develops, but I think he will have a great year. If we really have improved at DT, this will be all the sweeter!

bronco militia · 05-02-2007, 10:41 AM

Mike=Middle LB
Sam=Strong Side LB (Strong side is usually where the TE lines up)
Willie=Weak Side LB

HEAV · 05-02-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55CrushEm

Seriously, here....I'm not being a wise-guy....

Are "Mike", "Sam", and "Will" commonly used terms when talking about LB's....or is this Orangemane lingo ?

Never played ball? I thought most football fan's knew the terms.

Drek · 05-02-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeShadow

i didnt know we signed slevin young, thats pretty sweet

Yep, I'm betting he's our #3 RB. Some question marks in his past but he's a very versatile back with good talent, just needs to stay healthy and focused. He also can work on special teams, which will add to the KR/PR competition.

I'm a little leery on DJ at MLB, but if anyone can handle it I think he can. He's super mobile and a solid tackler. He's also got good ball skills. Hopefully our DTs can do their job and keep linemen off him all next season so we can watch him show off that sideline to sideline speed. He's got good hands too, so hopefully it'll result in more turnovers from our linebackers.

05-02-2007, 03:22 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	D.J Williams set to shine in new role Williams set to shine in new role of middle man By Mike Klis Denver Post Staff Writer D.J. Williams may be going from third-down scrub to the league's top five in tackles. Who says coaching doesn't make a difference in the NFL? No Broncos player figures to benefit more from the change in defensive bosses than Williams. Under defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, Williams was a first-round outside linebacker who spent the past two years running off the field on passing downs. Coyer was replaced this offseason by Jim Bates, who moved Williams over to the middle linebacker position vacated by Al Wilson, who was released because of a neck injury. The NFL draft came and went last weekend with the Broncos sending a loud message by not selecting an inside linebacker: In D.J. they trust. "He's excited about it and we feel very confident that D.J. can get the job done," Bates said. Not only is Williams going to become an every-down player for the first time since his rookie season of 2004, the history of Bates' middle linebackers suggests he is about to record huge tackle numbers. In Coyer's scheme, Wilson made the Pro Bowl three of four years even though he never finished among the league's top 26 in tackles. In Bates' last five seasons as the Dolphins' coordinator, middle linebacker Zach Thomas never failed to finish among the top five in tackles, topping the NFL in 2002. Green Bay middle linebacker Nick Barnett ranked sixth with a career-high 139 tackles during his lone season with Bates in 2005. "The mike linebacker in our scheme has to have a lot of mobility and speed, because we put a lot pressure on them," Bates said. Roster report After signing former Texas running back Selvin Young, the Broncos waived Cedric Cobbs, a seldom-used tailback. Young, an undrafted free agent, was an oft-used reserve tailback for the Longhorns the past two years. A strong, physical runner, the 5-foot-10, 207- pound Young wasn't drafted primarily because he doesn't possess great speed. "We had mixed feelings," said Young's agent, Major Adams, who also represents Tennessee and former Texas quarterback Vince Young. "In one sense you want the honor of being drafted, but at the same time you want to go to a situation that's going to be the best fit for a player. We picked Denver because the Broncos showed the most interest." Young rushed for 591 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior and also had 23 catches. The Broncos got to know Young in recent weeks because he has been in the area working out with Longhorns teammate Kasey Studdard at the Velocity Sports Performance Center. Studdard, of Highlands Ranch, was drafted in the sixth round by Houston and coach Gary Kubiak. The release of Cobbs and death of Damien Nash mean the Broncos' No. 3 running back behind starter Travis Henry and backup Mike Bell could be Young or Andre Hall, a second-year player from South Florida. "We're shooting for No. 2," Adams said. At this time last year, Cobbs was a strong candidate to replace Mike Anderson as the Broncos' lead running back. Cobbs never took off, though. Not during the Broncos' off- season workouts, not when he muffed a kickoff late against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 and not after he suffered an ankle injury in an ill-fated return. http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_5796528 Last edited by dragondawg; 05-02-2007 at 03:40 AM..

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05-02-2007, 03:25 AM	#2
Clockwork Orange Persona Non Grata I seen him! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 21,438	Well, SoCal? What do you think?

05-02-2007, 03:29 AM	#3
Bob's your Information Minister Chiefs > Broncos Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 25,921 Adopt-a-Bronco: CHRIS KUPER!!!	Set to shine shoes, or what? Glad he is finally finding something he is good at.

05-02-2007, 03:40 AM	#4
Clockwork Orange Persona Non Grata I seen him! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 21,438	Well, he's not joining his 3rd team in 6 years (which would officially qualify him for journeyman status) like the guy the Chefs will be lining up at MLB this year, so he's got that going for him. I'm glad he's going to see more time and greater responsibility. They screwed the poor kid by moving him to the strong side for two years where his talents were going to waste.

05-02-2007, 03:50 AM	#7
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	First, they are filling a hole due to inury. It wan't anything close to a rectalification. Your onfidence is amusing. You allready have him in the pro bowl. Call me when he makes the Pro Bowl.

05-02-2007, 04:42 AM	#10
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Rectalifcation is the act of kissing someone's ass. SoCal is thoroughly retified. The rest is just crap that are pathetic insults.

05-02-2007, 05:48 AM	#12
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	It's a word I made up for idiot's like yourselves.

05-02-2007, 08:06 AM	#13
Dedhed Ring of Famer Fare thee well Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 9,727 Adopt-a-Bronco: Elvis	I'm psyched to see DJ at Mike. He's been the most underutilized talent on the roster the last couple of years.

05-02-2007, 08:10 AM	#14
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	i didnt know we signed slevin young, thats pretty sweet

05-02-2007, 09:21 AM	#15
Barry Ramey Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,700	I'm hoping for more from DJ, so this is a good move to get him more involved in the action. I'm just so glad Coyer is gone. Young has experience returning kicks, so that might give him an advantage of making the team, depending on how many RB's they keep and if Morgan is kept or not.

05-02-2007, 09:29 AM	#16
HEAV Ring of Famer It's about the Team Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Ville Posts: 12,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brian Dawkins	DJ will rack up over 100 tackles in the Bates system.

05-02-2007, 09:52 AM	#17
FantomForce Long live the Mane! The Incredible BULK! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Silt, Colorado Posts: 2,028	Well see, right now I'm not a believer

05-02-2007, 10:15 AM	#20
Hotrod Self Appointed Expert aka Dortoh Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 25,136 Adopt-a-Bronco: Miss I	Did anyone else find that article kind of odd

05-02-2007, 10:41 AM	#23
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,591	Mike=Middle LB Sam=Strong Side LB (Strong side is usually where the TE lines up) Willie=Weak Side LB