Broncos draftee Derek Wolfe may be a surprise to some analysts, but the 6-foot-5, 286-pound defensive tackle from Cincinnati said Friday night he was disappointed at not being selected in the first round a day earlier.
Confidence is not lacking with the Big East Conference co-defensive player of the year who, as the fourth pick of the second round (No. 36 overall), became Denver’s first selection of this draft.
The Broncos traded out of the first round but addressed a position of need by choosing Wolfe, who was rated lower than many other available defensive tackles on mock drafts.
“Absolutely,” Wolfe told reporters at Broncos headquarters in Dove Valley via a teleconference when asked if he expects to contribute as a rookie. “I’m not the kind of guy that likes to sit around and wait.
“I just want to come in and make a difference. I’m ready for the opportunity.”
Wolfe, who said he is up to 300 pounds, is considered a strong, aggressive player in the trenches. He recorded 9.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for losses last fall as a senior — his third year as a starter for the Bearcats.
Wolfe played both defensive end and defensive tackle in college but said he was told by the Broncos that they view him as a tackle.
“It’s all the same to me,” Wolfe said of the different positions. “I’ll do what they want to do. I’ll do whatever I have to do to win.
“Playing for the Broncos is a huge privilege. I couldn’t ask for a better spot.”
Round 2 (36th overall pick)
DT DEREK WOLFE, Cincinnati
Measurables
6-feet-5, 295 pounds. 5.01 40-yard dash. Did 33 repetitions of the bench press at the combine. Vertical leap of 33.5 inches Tall, with long arms and an 80-inch wingspan.
Vital statistics
Had 21.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks as a senior. Started 38 consecutive games for the Bearcats from 2009-2011. … Forced four fumbles in his career.
Honors
Named second-team All-America by multiple outlets in 2011 … Unanimous first-team All-Big East player and co-defensive player of the year. … Picked as the 2011 All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year.
High School days
Played defensive end, outside linebacker, tight end and offensive tackle at Beaver Local High in Lisbon, Ohio. … Competed on his school’s power lifting team and qualified for the state tournament twice Was originally recruited as an offensive tackle.
Upside
Has good size and superior strength and was very productive in college. … Shows promise as an interior pass rusher, a missing piece of Denver’s defense last season. … Broncos like his attitude and intensity, both of which showed on his college game tape.
Question marks
Has struggled against double teams … Will need to improve as a run defender to stay on the field for all three downs. … Doesn’t have elite speed.
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
