Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio knows he needs the interior of the defensive line to step up this year, and for him that means the defensive tackles need to beef up. Kevin Vickerson spent the offseason bulking up from 290 to 330 pounds, just as Del Rio requested, and it appears every DT on the roster is working to hit at least 300 pounds on the scale.
Vickerson recently explained to Jeff Legwold of The Denver Post that Del Rio had an odd anatomical point of emphasis he used to drive home his point about adding weight:
"I didn't know what to expect or anything like that, but I went in Coach Del Rio's office and the first thing he said to me was, 'Your butt is too small.' I guess I knew right then things would be different.
"But I think my game is big boy; that's what got me in the league. That's what kept me in the league, and that's what Coach Del Rio wants."
To be clear, Del Rio doesn't want his DTs to hit the buffet and eat junk food all day. He is looking for more physicality and toughness at the line of scrimmage, but quickness on the interior is still important. With new marching orders, it will be very interesting to see which players emerge as the starters on the interior of the defensive line.
For more on the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.
