Sophomore boon
The best thing about the rookie seasons for defensive linemen Marcus Thomas, Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder? They played. Experience should help them make a greater impact in their second seasons.
Marcus Thomas, DT
Fourth-round pick may have been only D-line rookie to exceed expectations. While Moss and Crowder were coming off big college seasons, Thomas missed most of his final year at Florida. But rather than easing into the D-line rotation, Thomas played in all 16 games.
Jarvis Moss, DE
The tall, lanky speed rusher struggled to avoid being tied up by NFL left tackles last year. He was inactive in the season’s seventh game against Green Bay, then suffered a season-ending leg and ankle injury during practice before the eighth game.
Tim Crowder, DE
A second-round pick who is solid against the pass and run. Missed first three games last season to recover from an ankle injury. Only start came at Indianapolis, where Broncos started four defensive ends.
