What gives Demar Dotson the Broncos?

Now that the Broncos have signed Demar Dotson, it’s time to dive into what he’s bringing to the roster. Last week, the Broncos learned that Ja’Wuan James would turn down the NFL season 2020, which saw her tackle with Elijah Wilkinson on the right, Garett Bolles left, and unproven depth behind her.

Every report from the Broncos since James’ dismissal has signaled that Elijah Wilkinson has a leg on the tackle lane, but I seriously doubt Dotson would have signed if he did not think he had a chance to start.

In a league where the average career lasts three years and changes, it’s remarkable how Dotson found a way to start 130 games over 11 seasons. An undefeated free agent from Jerry Rice’s Alma Mater, Dotson received a camp invitation from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. He had never played a single snap on offensive tackle and on the first day of practice had to make holes in it. the cleats cut he borrowed because the Bucs’ training staff did not have big 18s.

After several attempts to replace him, the Bucs moved the 34-year-old Dotson to clear a path to playing time for 20-year-old Tristan Wirfs to protect 43-year-old Tom Brady this year.

What does Dotson do well?

At 6’9 “, Dotson is at the top end for height for an offensive tackle, while his 315 lb frame meets the league average. He is a solid athlete for such a great man with the kind of body control and mastery you would expect from a former basketball player. His experience is evident in his anticipation of both rush moves and pursuit angles. He shows solid competitive toughness in how he fights down with consistency, and does not shy away from tight moments like third and forever.

There’s a subtlety to Dotson’s game that takes time to appreciate. He has patient hands and shows a good placement in both the run and pass game, which helps to solve many of the problems he has to deal with his height. Once he borders on an opponent, he knows how to position his body to avoid untimely penalty kicks.

On the play above, Tampa Bay is facing third and 11th, a must-pass situation. Cameron Jordan’s runs wide enough to get a steamhead to the pocket, so Dotson does not hesitate to get into his kick-slide. There is no panic in his game because he keeps his hands low and is ready to strike at the first sign of danger. Jordan tries a rip move, but instead of getting in the grip and grabbing the Bucs’ right tackle keeps his feet moving and keeps Jameis Winston out of reach of the Pro Bowler.

He is a good pass guard, especially in vertical sets where he has to go out to wide rails. He is light enough on his feet and fast enough to push back that he can move inward to protect a gap from late pressure. He does not put out too much and lets himself be gripped in the air, but instead sets back to react to his opponent. He also shows the kind of mental acuity to handle stunts without problems.

Dotson’s strengths in the running game stem from many of the same skills that help him with pass protection. He has no problem throwing his body around to experience chase and does a good job of climbing away from double teams to reach the second level. He’s also solid at chasing backlash as an urge to double down on a defensive job.

Where does Dotson wrestle?

Bruce Arians hated no words when he pointed out the shortcomings of his earlier indications.

‘I mean he can still pass block. I mean, for me, that’s where you start. Can he get better in the running game? Yes. But, you know, sometimes you ask a man [and] he just can’t physically do anything. I have had a few approaches that were really good pass blockers that could not be fired to the left. Do not do ask him. It’s no secret. We will perform some plays just one way. Alright. It’s the only thing [play] in the game and we will execute it well. They know it. We know it. Pull over. You know, but do not ask him to do that much of it. You still have to do something about it. But do not ask him to do a bundle of it, because he will lose. But he can still block. ”

Demar Dotson has adequate playing power, which enhances his ability to block and get pressure on the point of attack. This was a consistent theme about the games I studied and what I would expect to convey during his time with the Broncos. Don’t expect a lot of wide zone runes making it of the right approach as Dotson leads the way.

Dotson’s subpar force is also seen in pass protection, where he has an adequate anchor. He is very sensitive to the bullrush, because his height works against him on deeper pass sets, because athletic Edge rushers can get under him and in his frame, which puts him on grounds. These problems really did show up against the Marcus Davenport of New Orleans Saints and Cameron Jordan.

When Dotson abused his hand placement and exposed his chest, it really hurt him against better passers-by. He does not have the kind of lead in his pants to keep his ground when an opponent gets under control. This was most evident against Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals.

What gives Demar Dotson the Broncos?

If he can pick up the Broncos game book and pick up where he left off in 2019, Demar Dotson would have to be a viable alternative at the starting point right tackled spot. He has the tools to help the running game on downblocks, double teams, chasing backs, and has to push Elijah Wilkinson and Garett Bolles into pass protection. He’s not the kind of approach to lead the way at the point of attack or hitting a pile, and Drew Lock will have to be held accountable for his problems against power rushers.