Denver Broncos

New Broncos defense still needs a Knighton replacement

Published Jun. 8, 2015 11:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Denver's defensive front seven sports dangerous pass rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.

It also features inside thumpers in Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan and edge-setters in Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson.

Nearly every piece is in place -- except the crucial one in the middle of it all. New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has yet to identify a viable nose tackle for his new 3-4 defense.

The clubhouse leader is former first-rounder Sly Williams. But Williams was just 313 pounds last season, whereas former starter Terrance Knighton played at a plump 335.

New head coach Gary Kubiak said Phillips could rotate between a traditional two-gap tackle like Knighton and a one-gap option.

If so, Williams could face internal competition from new pickup Vance Walker. If not, his main challenger could be sixth-round Maryland prospect Darius Kilgo, who plays more two-gap technique.

The Broncos don't know what kind of player their man in the middle will be. But Kubiak is confident his defensive coordinator will find him and coach him up.

“Wade (Phillips) has done it both ways, he’s had both kinds of players,’’ Kubiak said. “I know we will be productive with whatever decisions we make.’’

(h/t ESPN)