Denver Broncos: More expected out of Gotsis in year two
Broncos coaches are expecting more out of DE Adam Gotsis in year two now that he has put his ACL injury behind him.
In a recent press conference, Denver Broncos defensive line coach Bill Kollar expressed his desire to see more out of DE Adam Gotsis as he heads into his second season in the NFL.
Kollar noted that while Gotsis’ rookie campaign was slowed due to his return from an ACL tear, he was still behind where the team needed him to be during the 2016 campaign.
"“Physically, I’ve told him all along; You’ve got to get bigger and stronger. Or else. These guys are too big and strong and tough in this league,” Kollar said.“I told him, ‘If I were you, I’d take one week off after the season, I’d get my [rear end] into the weight room and I’d lift until there was no tomorrow. Because otherwise you don’t have a chance. You’ve got to be able to get in there and fight.”"
Kollar lobbied Broncos GM John Elway last offseason to draft Gotsis. Elway was convinced and invested a second round selection in the DE out of Georgia Tech despite him rupturing his ACL during his senior season.
Many teams and scouts evaluated Gotsis as a fourth round talent, and the Broncos took some criticism for drafting the Australian so high. However, Elway and his staff were confident in their abilities to develop the Georgia Tech product to his full potential.
Gotsis played in all 16 games in 2016, recording five solo tackles to go along with nine assisted tackles in 222 played snaps on defense. He also played 4.3 percent of special teams snaps during his rookie season.
Gotsis is reputable run-stopper at the point of attack, featuring a solid base, broad frame and big hands. He has good lateral movement, tackles with intent, and has displayed great leadership skills in the past. Nethertheless, Gotsis lacks the explosiveness to be able to be a consistent pass rusher and pressure guy. Despite his big build, the Aussie weighs in at around 287lbs. For an everyday person, Gotsis is a beast. For an NFL lineman however, he needs to put on more muscle to be able to contend with the monsters of the league.
Gotsis’ story is a unique one. He took up the sport at the age of 15 in Melbourne after growing bored with Australian rules football. He joined a local club where he immediately became the team’s star player before travelling to the United States. He committed to playing for Georgia Tech and proceeded to become a team captain during a four-year career. The fact that Gotsis started playing football on the other side of the world at a relatively late age only to then be drafted by the Denver Broncos 8 years later is truly inspiring.
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However, aspiring story aside, it’s time to start seeing more from Gotsis. He has shown in the past an ability to learn quickly and has displayed a valued work ethic. Broncos fans should expect Gotsis to listen to coach Koller and come into his second season bulkier and more ready than ever.