BroncosZone search:
Selected BroncosZone searches:
Players Broncos Picks Injuries Projections Rookies Blogs Superbowl
Ryan McBean Blessed with Second Chance
Published: June 3, 2009
When the Denver Broncos entered the 2009 offseason, many thought the majority of their time and money would be invested in the defensive line.
Now three months since the beginning of free agency, Denver has added eight new defensive linemen to the mix, although none are extremely high profile.
One of the signees is former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan McBean, a fourth round draft pick out of Oklahoma State in 2007.
McBean joined a very crowded defensive line in Pittsburgh and has seen very little action in his two years in the league.
He hopes all of that can change now that he is with the Denver Broncos.
“I’m adding whatever the coach asks for me. Whatever he tells me to do I’m going to do it.”
Whatever he lacks in game experience, McBean definitely makes up for it in appearance. The third year player definitely looks the part at 6’5″ and 290 pounds, ideal for a 3-4 defensive end.
McBean has been practicing with Denver’s first team defensive line for the first few organized team activities. While fans are told not to take too much stock in the current depth charts, it is definitely a huge leap for a guy who has only played in one regular season game.
“It’s (competition) the same for every guy. (We) gotta come out here and work hard regardless (of where we are on the depth chart.) I didn’t look at it too much, just like ‘OK, time to go to work.’
“(But) it’s been great. Guys getting their repetitions and taking every day for what it is.”
While he seems like the ideal fit for the Broncos as a defensive end as the team transitions to the 3-4 defense, sticking his hand in the dirt is not all McBean has to offer this defense.
When asked how his coverage skills were, McBean gave a big smile, laughed, and said, “Real good.”
McBean also said that while in Pittsburgh he mostly played as a down end, but has the capacity to cover.
His versatility does not end there. McBean has played an even “bigger” role in the Broncos’ offseason activities.
“Right now I’m playing end, and sometimes I’m playing nose (tackle) too.”
McBean also addressed the progress of the rest of the defensive unit. If the Broncos’ defense is going to improve as a whole, they must use last season as motivation. Maybe even play with a “chip on their shoulder.”
“Yeah you can tell with our guys that they want to win. They heard about the stats from last year, and we want to change that a whole lot…The guys are willing to play hard.”
Right now, the Broncos’ defensive line is a group of relative unknowns.
Perhaps this third year player can make a name for himself in the Mile High City and help restore what fans once called the Orange Crush.
Sponsored Links
Buy Denver Broncos Tickets, NFL Tickets, Football Tickets and Sports Tickets at StubPass.com.