Denver, CO. The Denver Broncos and the rest of the NFL have now concluded their preseason, as all fans can officially look ahead to next week and the beginning of the 2012 regular season. As the Broncos try to figure who will and who won’t make this roster for the upcoming year, a few guys have emerged as players who Denver fans will be seeing a lot of. One of those players is Danny Trevathan, who was selected in the 6th round of the draft back in April. The rookie linebacker has made quite an impression already, and will undoubtedly be part of this Broncos team this year. But don’t be surprised if at some point in the not too distant future, Trevathan leads this Denver defense in tackles, just like he did in the super conference known as the SEC.
Most college football fans would agree that the SEC is the best conference in America. For years now, they have had several national championship teams, a few Heisman Trophy winners, and countless All-Americans. The players that reside in this conference, from top to bottom, are probably the best collection of college talent anywhere. So how did Kentucky’s Danny Trevathan, who led this vaunted conference in tackles for the past two years, fall until the 6th round of the NFL Draft? A few reasons, actually. First, he played at Kentucky. Now, we all know the Wildcats to be a super-power on the basketball court, but on the football field, they have been somewhat of a doormat in the SEC forever. With the likes of Alabama, LSU, Florida, and Arkansas getting almost all of the spotlight and publicity, Kentucky rarely gets any TV time or notoriety. Another reason Trevathan slipped through the cracks is that he isn’t the prototypical size for an NFL linebacker. He was measured last spring at 6’0″ and 237 lbs, which is on the smaller side of players at his position. His “measurables” have never been off the charts either, as his speed, quickness, and strength have been average. So even though he did lead the SEC in tackles twice, most NFL teams overlooked him to a degree. Actually Denver did too for five rounds of the draft, but decided to take him with the 188th overall pick four months ago. In his brief time as a Bronco, one thing has been quite clear. This guy, for whatever reason, has a nose for the football. When given the chance to be on the field, it seems he is in on the action more times than not, and is a very disciplined linebacker already. Danny Trevathan is quickly falling into the category of being a draft-day steal, and a player who has the look of being in Denver for many years to come. #59 on defense was everywhere against Arizona on Thursday night, whether it was wrapping up opposing running backs, or blanketing potential pass catchers. He just seems to “get it”, and is one of those players that comes along and has outstanding instincts of where to be on each play. It’s something that cannot be taught really, as some guys have this natural ability and others don’t. Trevathan is rapidly proving that his stats at Kentucky were no fluke. He is a linebacker who because of smarts, desire, and an ability to be around the ball, has a chance to make a name for himself on this Denver Broncos team, and do it this season.
Danny Trevathan could soon become a fan favorite in the Mile High City. He doesn’t have amazing physical attributes, or makes too many flashy defensive plays. But he has the look of a player who will bring his lunch pail to work each and every Sunday. While Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller are harassing the QB, don’t be surprised if in the next year or two, Trevathan ends up being the guy who does the dirty work in the middle of the defense. Soon enough, while others will get more credit and more of the spotlight, the rookie linebacker from Kentucky may wind up doing what he did as a collegian…..Stopping runners in their tracks and leading the Denver Broncos defense in tackles.
Denver Sports by J Simp
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