Mike Shanahan wished the country had laughed at his team for bringing in five Cleveland Browns defensive linemen last year instead of four.
At the NFL owner’s meetings this week, Shanahan said he tried to acquire Kenard Lang last year in the midst of bringing in defensive linemen Gerard Warren, Courtney Brown, Michael Myers and Ebenezer Ekuban. The Broncos were maligned nationally for the moves, but they paid off. Now, Shanahan hopes Lang works out in 2006.
Lang will become Denver’s nickel pass rusher. He has been the team’s most notable acquisition this offseason after signing a three-year deal March 17. Shanahan said Lang, who played linebacker for the Browns last year, will give Denver’s pass rush a surge.
“I really like him,” Shanahan said. “He’s a guy people may be surprised by. He’s going to make plays.”
Bloom update
All 32 NFL teams are expected to be at former Colorado receiver Jeremy Bloom’s private workout in Los Angeles on Saturday. His father Larry Bloom said the former Buffalo has bulked up to 186 pounds after weighing 173 at the NFL combine last month where he worked out shortly after returning from the Turin Olympics.
In his transformation from skier to football player, Bloom said at the combine he was confident he could add weight, which scouts wanted to see him do. Larry Bloom said his son has been working diligently with speed and football trainers in Southern California. He is spending a lot of time on route running. If Bloom is clocked in the low 4.3’s for the 40-yard dash, it should increase his draft stock significantly.
Billick likes ex-Broncos
Baltimore coach Brian Billick said he expects production from running back Mike Anderson and defensive lineman Trevor Pryce. The Ravens signed both players after Denver released them March 1.
On Anderson, Billick said: “Even if we had every back returning, even with Jamal Lewis returning, we had to get somebody. You’ve got to have depth there. Anderson is clearly a player who can help us. He is a natural fit.”
On Pryce, Billick said: “Trevor will play defensive tackle, but we will move him around pretty good. There will be plenty of different people at his hip. He will give us a great rush from the inside.”
Footnotes
Shanahan said this week that right guard Cooper Carlisle played well in his first full season as a starter. Still, there is likely to be training camp competition with a healthy P.J. Alexander and Chris Myers. Carlisle is the favorite and should retain his job.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
