John Engelberger was at his Virginia home Friday thinking about a movie he saw last fall.
Now it’s his chance to find a supporting role in an ensemble, one of the finest in the NFL’s film category in his opinion.
Engelberger went from being in limbo with the San Francisco 49ers to a sought-after commodity for the Broncos. The defensive end, who had six sacks last season and has 17 1/2 sacks in five NFL seasons, was sent to the Broncos on Friday for cornerback Willie Middlebrooks.
“The 49ers showed us films of the top defenses last year and Denver was always on the film, so I know I’m going to a really great defense,” he said. “I’m just going to try to fit in.”
Engelberger, who is expected to be a key role player, said he was thrilled to get a chance to stay in a 4-3 base defense. The 49ers’ decision to move to a 3-4 front, under new coach Mike Nolan, made Engelberger expendable. Nolan told Engelberger the 49ers need cornerbacks more than defensive ends, and Middlebrooks – a former first-round pick – is expected to compete for a starting job with the 49ers.
“I’m a 4-3 guy, so this is great,” Engelberger said. “I was hoping for a situation like this.”
Engelberger, 28, is ready to make the most of his chance in Denver. He is healing well after offseason wrist surgery.
“I’m completely healthy, and I just went to get back on the field,” he said. “I just want to show the Broncos they got a good player.”
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
