Denver Broncos position breakdown: Williams, Kollar key to defensive line

The expectations are there.

So is the chance to become a star.

Sylvester Williams knows this is his time to shine. If the new Denver Broncos starting defensive tackle does not deliver, this could be it for the third-year player from North Carolina.

The biggest reason Williams will not only succeed but flourish is the coaches he will work with. Namely new defensive line coach Bill Kollar, who was the Broncos’ biggest offseason addition. If Williams can’t deliver with Kollar, the rest of the staff and this new system, he can’t with anyone

The Broncos believe Williams will not only match the performance of fan-favorite Terrance Knighton, but top it. There’s no reason to doubt that at this point.

When that happens, Denver’s defense is even more difficult to control. But that success starts and stops with the defensive line.

To think about the impact Kollar and this system will have on the likes of Marvin Austin, Vance Walker, Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson and Antonio Smith should fire up Broncos Country. Of course, Smith remains a huge question mark at this point given his legal issues. If he can play, he’ll only make the defense better. But at this point, that’s a bigger question mark than Williams.

There are a few younger players who could contribute and get some action, but those players listed above will carry the Broncos defensive line.

The key is pressure and to eat up blockers. In the 3-4 scheme defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will use, that’s how you will know if the unit is successful.

The defensive line needs to push the opponents’ offensive line back in the run and pass game and eat up blockers to allow the linebackers to do their thing – Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan in the middle, and Von Miller, Shane Ray and DeMarcus Ware on the outside.

If those three guys produce those two elements at a consistent clip, the Broncos defense will be near unstoppable. That will allow Phillips to blitz and apply pressure as we all know he loves to do.

There is no doubt there are questions aplenty when it comes to this unit.

There are still unknowns even the players and coaches don’t have figured out.

But what should put the fans and everyone else at ease are the new coaches and system in place. It cannot be stated enough how big the addition of Kollar is to this unit and team. 

When you piece it all together, no wonder the Broncos have such high expectations for Williams and his cohorts along the defensive line.

This is their time to shine, and they’re finally in a position to do so.