Angelo

Blackson

Blackson is a 10-year vet who has also spent time with the Titans, Texans, Cardinals, and Bears. The former fourth-round pick played on just 215 snaps last season — a career-low — and appeared in only 11 games. Blackson has started in 42 of 128 career games and will likely serve as a situational role player for the Broncos this season.

Blackson has been a rotational player since entering the league in 2015. He’s spent the last two seasons with the Bears, racking up 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four TFLs while also recording an interception. Blackson should serve as added depth on a defensive line that’s chock full of talent but lacks a true stud.

Blackson, 28, is a depth piece only. He had 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks as a part-time defensive tackle with the Cardinals last season. It’s unclear if this means anything for Akiem Hicks’ future.

Houston releasing Blackson on Saturday was one of the most surprising moves of the day. He started 31 games for the Texans over the past two seasons, serving as a reliable rotational player. Blackson didn’t have to go through waivers since his contract was terminated, so the Cardinals swooped in and inked the sixth-year lineman.

Blackson played 430 solid snaps as a rotational lineman last season, recording one sack and 24 tackles. Considering Houston’s free agency issues along the defensive line, he could be in for a bigger role this season.

Blackson (6'4/318) played out of position on the Tigers’ line, frequently aligning as a wide defensive end and managing 5.5 tackles for loss with just three sacks as a senior. A power player with good athleticism (5.02 forty, 31-inch vertical) for his size, Blackson is a good fit in the Titans’ 3-4 defense at five-technique end or even nose. He’s a prospect who could become a better NFL than college player.