The Denver Broncos have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and, as a result, it will be hard for any rookie to challenge for playing time -- including first-round pick Sylvester Williams.
Sylvester Williams may not start early on for Denver
The Broncos used a first round pick on Sylvester Williams, but that doesn’t mean he will open the season as a starter.
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Williams was one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL Draft, but the No. 28 pick may not open the season as a starter. Kevin Vickerson returns for his third season in Denver while free agent signing Terrance Knighton is also penciled into a starting spot. Mike Klis of the Denver Post expects Williams to work his way into the starting lineup eventually, but not by the start of the season.
As Klis wrote, rookie defensive tackles can have a difficult time adjusting to the NFL. At 320 pounds, Williams has the size to play in the NFL right away, but that doesn’t mean he will be given a starting job. According to Klis, The Broncos believe Williams can work his way into the starting lineup by Week 1, but he will have to beat out either Vickerson or Knighton for a spot.
Even if he doesn’t open the season as a starter, or doesn’t start at all in 2013, that doesn’t mean Williams won’t contribute. NFL teams rotate defensive tackles frequently and Williams should be part of the Broncos’ rotation right away.
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