Ex-Buckeye Peterson has a new position and new opportunity in Denver

Kenny Peterson just wasn't big enough. That is a strange thing to say about a guy that is 6-3 and 300 pounds, but in the world of the NFL, he wasn't quite big enough to play DT or NT. Now that the Broncos are going to the 3-4, Peterson will take his 300 to DE and it should help his game and make him more effective.

By Bill Smith

Peterson started last year at DT and faced constant double teaming by the C and G. Despite the attention he managed to get 24 tackles and 3 sacks. Under new coach Josh McDaniels' more attack style 3-4, Peterson will be head up on the LG and is much less likely to be doubled as often. The C is going to be double teaming NT Marcus Thomas or Ron Fields and the LT will have problems of his own.

Star linebacker D.J. Williams will be Peterson's blitz buddy on the right. The new 3-4 will move all pro but too small and light DE Elvis Dumervil to outside linebacker on the left side. That combination should generate a lot more heat on the QB than the 4-3 did last year.

Peterson has good feet for a 300 pound player. His new position and responsibility should free him up to be more productive and the Bronco D needs all the production it can get. For the last few seasons, there has been no D in Denver. The Broncos have also added all pro SS Brian Dawkins which will help the D as well. Peterson should have a lot of help to bring the Denver D back to respectability.

That's what I think. Tell me what you think.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He is a senior writer for http://NFLDraftDog.com and edits http://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on http://www.eBooks-Library/Contemporary/Author.cfm?AuthorID=1003 and edits http://fryingpanpolitics.blog.com.