Denver Broncos DE Derek Wolfe Gets 4 Game Suspension, Whats Next for Denver?

On Friday, the Denver Broncos announced some bad news to start the season. Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the National Football League’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

The NFL released a statement from a league spokesperson.

“Wolfe will be eligible to return to the Broncos’ active roster on Monday, October 5 following the team’s October 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings.”

Per NFL policy, Wolfe will be eligible to participate in all training camp practices and preseason games. Once the regular season begins, Wolfe will not be allowed at the team facility until the aforementioned date.

Wolfe himself made a statement after the suspension was revealed.

“Please allow me to offer my most sincere apology to everyone in the Broncos organization, and especially to my teammates and our fans.”

Wolfe gave us insight into why he’s been suspended by the league:

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During the off-season I took a medication which is on the banned substance list. The medication is not a substance which would enhance my on field performance in any way and I genuinely was unaware that it was prohibited, but players are responsible for what is in their bodies. ... I will certainly exercise far greater caution in the future and will seek advice relating to the permissibility of any and all medications.

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According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak was disappointed after hearing the news.

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#Broncos HC Gary Kubiak "disappointed'' with Derek Wolfe for 4-game suspension. First name he mentions as replacement: Vance Walker

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) July 24, 2015"

So what’s next for the Broncos? In this article we examine the players who could take Wolfe’s place while he’s suspended.

Vance Walker

Uncredited/Associated Press

With Wolfe likely starting at right defensive end, we were going to see Vance Walker compete for a starting spot at left defensive end. The Broncos picked up Walker in free agency earlier this year, and they signed him to a two-year contract worth $4 million.

Measuring in at 6’2” and 305 pounds, Walker is a seasoned veteran who can get pressure on the quarterback from the outside. He’s not really an aggressive run-stuffer, but Walker is not a bad tackler. Setting the edge and re-directing traffic inside is something he can be counted on to do regularly.

Walker’s best position might be at left defensive end, but we could see new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips move his defensive linemen around like chess pieces in 2015.

Malik Jackson

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Like Walker, Malik Jackson was going to be in the mix to start at left defensive end. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Jackson is looking to post career-best numbers in 2015.

Jackson’s mostly known as a disruptive part-time player who plays to the echo of the whistle. He gets off the snap quickly and has good closing burst to the quarterback.

He plays with a non-stop motor, and this helps him as a run-defender. The 25-year-old refuses to give ground when blocked, and he accurately anticipates where plays are going. This ability gets him to the ball quickly, and he arrives with natural violence.

Jackson is one of the most intense players on the roster, and the Broncos may determine that he’s the best option to replace Wolfe at right defensive end.

Antonio Smith

At this time, nobody knows what is going to happen with Antonio Smith. No charges have been filed against Smith, but he has been under investigation for sexual abuse of a child.

Smith has been away from the team since the investigation was made public. Back in late May, the Broncos had hoped for answers in the near future according to Mike Klis from 9 News. Instead, there’s been nothing but silence in this situation.

The Broncos signed Smith to a one-year, $2 million contract after free agency started this year. If he’s available to play, Smith can line up at defensive end or defensive tackle. He’s stout against the run and can get a little push as a pass-rusher—so long as his role is limited.

Last year, Smith played over 800 snaps for the Oakland Raiders, and he wasn’t effective. If he could play about 400 snaps for the Broncos this year, we could see a more disruptive player.

Other Players

JACK DEMPSEY/Associated Press

The Broncos are fairly thin at defensive end, but there are going to be some players outside of the three previously mentioned who could play a role.

When I interviewed Mike Klis of 9 News on the Friday edition of The Cecil Lammey Show on ESPN Denver, one of the first players he mentioned was second-year defensive end Kenny Anunike. Coming out of Duke as an undrafted player last year, Anunike spent the 2014 season on Injured Reserve due to an elbow injury.

Now, he’s healthy and ready to prove that he can make the final roster. Anunike is not the biggest option, measuring in at only 6’5” and 260 pounds. He’ll get pressure on the quarterback, but he needs to prove that he can stand strong against the run.

The Broncos have a proven eye for undrafted talent, and that’s why rookie defensive end Josh Watson is a player to watch in training camp. He’s much larger than Anunike, measuring in at 6’4” and 290 pounds.

Watson has outstanding strength and can control his man at the line of scrimmage. The rookie may not get much pressure from the edge, but he’s quite capable of keeping containment and stuffing any ball-carrier who comes within his reach.

Summary

The Broncos have dealt with players getting suspended before, and they’ve always managed to find their way. The new defense should help forge an aggressive identity for the 2015 version of the team.

Missing Wolfe is not ideal, but the Broncos should be able to find a player—or combination of players—to take his place during those four weeks.

Wolfe is disappointed in himself, and that was clear in his comments to the press.

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I’m very disappointed that I can’t help my team for the first four weeks of the season, but I look forward to a great season with the Broncos and can't wait to get back on the field in week five.

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A suspension is better early than late. The Broncos need Wolfe to show up in Week 5 and put up a dominating performance so this team can get into the postseason and to the Super Bowl.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.