Finding Broncos: Two Edge Defenders to Take a Shot On

Finding Broncos scouts the 2023 NFL Draft with a pair of edge defenders who may be a risk.

The Denver Broncos have had issues with their edge room over the past few years. They took a shot on Randy Gregory for the 2022 season, but the early returns didn't meet expectations. As a result, their edge room has had issues staying on the field, and they can use some help from a deep edge class in the draft. 

Will McDonald IV | Edge | Iowa State

Pros

• He has excellent length that he uses extremely well. 
• Will get his hands up when his pass rush is stalled and uses his length to shrink passing windows. 
• Outstanding and explosive athlete. 
• Has some excellent and developed pass-rush moves in his arsenal. 
• The motor is relentless. 
• Smooth and fluid mover. 
• Doesn't get penalized with two career penalties. 
• Missed tackles aren't common. 
• Uses his length well in all aspects. 
• Plenty of bend for the NFL. 

Cons

• Thin leading to a lean build on his frame. 
• Doesn't bring much power. 
• Excellent explosion, but can't convert that to power. 
• Will be too eager to get upfield, leaving his lane against the run. 
• Will get washed out at the point of attack. 
• He was miscast in Iowa State's defense leading to less production than he could have had. 
• Production dropoff from 13 sacks and 45 pressures in 2021 to six sacks and 25 pressures in 2022. 
• Struggles to maintain positioning. 
• He will be limited in role and position early in his career as a pass rush specialist. 

Overview

Will McDonald IV is a tall and slim edge defender that doesn't have enough to offer as a run defender right away. Instead, he is a pass rush specialist that can offer up some excellent traits to work with. It is easy to project his role in the NFL, despite being used out of position at Iowa State. 

Fit with Broncos

The player McDonald compares to the most is Randy Gregory, who has had issues staying on the field. Denver needs reliable pass rushers because their current room has issues staying on the field, including Gregory. With Denver's current group, McDonald can work as a situational pass rusher while he develops his frame with added mass and as a run defender. 

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Andre Carter II | Edge | Army 

Pros

• Outstanding production in 2021 with 15 sacks and 59 total pressures. 
• Uses his length well and doesn't miss many tackles. 
• Plenty of room on his frame to add more mass. 
• Praised for intelligence on and off the field. 
• Plays disciplined on the field. 
• Can vary his attack plan from snap to snap. 
• Patient with his attack
• In limited reps, has shown solid zone drop ability. 
• Has a solid technique with his spin counter. 

Cons

• A limited defender that is still extremely raw as a football player. 
• Has to get stronger and add some extra mass to his frame. 
• Significant production dropoff in 2022. 
• Doesn't protect his frame. 
• Not an overly dynamic athlete. 
• Natural height makes it easy to be controlled with leverage. 
• Not smooth and fluid as a mover. 
• Almost no power in his hands. 
• Overly patient against the run. 

Overview

Andre Carter II has the frame to entice teams, and his production catches your eye. However, he is entirely unrefined as a player and didn't take the step he needed after the 2021 season. Carter may need a year or two of development, and he doesn't offer much on defense to see time as a rookie while he develops. 

Fit with Broncos

There is a significant need for additional edge help by the Broncos, and they need contributors for the 2023 season. Andre Carter might be able to offer up something as a fifth guy in the rotation, but he is probably better suited to seeing the field only on special teams as a rookie. Depending on where he does in the draft, that may not be enough for the Broncos to take a shot on him. 

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