Demar Dotson shares what we heard about Drew Lock before signing with Broncos

Demar Dotson has been watching the Denver Broncos for at least a week and a half. But as a veteran with 11 years of NFL experience, he’s also heard a few things, especially when it comes to the young gunslinger from Denver. More on this shortly.

Dotson signed with the Broncos earlier this week to step in and serve as an offensive tackle depth for a unit that suffered a heavy blow when the right tackle left Ja’Wuan James decided to retire from the 2020 season citing coronavirus problems.

Thanks to an interview with Mike Klis of KUSA, we now know that when Dotson learned of the news of James being unsubscribed, he quickly asked his reps to contact the Broncos to express their interest. After languishing in the free agent market year round, Dotson’s interest in Denver has been mutual.

“I was just patient and then this corona started hitting and the guys started to pull back,” Dotson told Klis. “I actually saw that Ja’Wuan had withdrawn. So I asked my agent to reach out and let them know I’m interested.

While it remains to be seen how important Dotson’s role on the Broncos’ offensive line will be, he will at least be a replacement. With Elijah Wilkinson, the starter who started 12 games with a right tackle last year in place of the then injured James, still recovering somewhat from offseason surgery, it’s a virtual guarantee that the Broncos will start spinning Dotson at some point with the first team offense.

At 6-foot-9, 315 pounds, Dotson makes a hell of a protector for any quarterback. While he may have initially hoped he would block for Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, the QB he will now be tasked with keeping clean and straight is none other than sophomore Drew Lock. Here’s what Dotson heard about the young gunslinger from Denver.

“I heard he was really excited and had a lot of energy,” Dotson told Klis. “I only heard good things about him. I haven’t had the chance to see him play yet but everyone pretty much loves him.

What’s the latest news from Camp Broncos? Don’t miss any news and analysis! Take a second and Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest Broncos news delivered to your inbox every day!

Nothing Dotson has said should come as a surprise to Broncos Country. Anyone who paid attention to it last year could see that Lock energized the Broncos when he entered the starting lineup in Week 13 and would continue to provide an infusion of enthusiasm and passion that he had great. need.

The word is circulating. What Dotson took away from the vine is that Lock’s teammates “love” to play with him. No doubt, despite their relatively large age difference (23 vs 34), Lock and Dotson will also become quick friends.

In Klis’ insightful writing, we also learned about the actual terms of Dotson’s one-year contract with the Broncos.

He got a one-year contract with a guarantee of $ 400,000 and another bonus of $ 100,000 if he makes the Broncos’ 53-player list for week 1. He can make up to $ 3 million. if it reaches the incentive thresholds. For now, the Broncos plan is for Dotson to back Elijah Wilkinson on the right tackle and for Garett Bolles to start a fourth season on the left tackle.

If Klis says the plan “for now” is for Wilkinson to maintain his status as a first-team right tackle, fans can bring that to the bank. But like former President Bill Clinton’s definition of the word “is”, it all comes down to understanding what “for now” means.

From what I know and what I’ve been told, I guess that means that as an outgoing tackler Wilkinson has a duty to lose. Dotson will push him and I bet it starts soon in the form of O-line coach Mike Munchak spinning Dotson with the firsts to give him the chance to really audition.

It must not be forgotten; Wilkinson has exactly 12 career starts under his belt in right tackle. Meanwhile, Dotson has over 100 of them. Given the chance to show his thing, even if it starts off attacking the second team, it shouldn’t take long for Dotson’s veteran skill to jump quickly to Munchak. and his assistant Chris Kuper.

It all depends on how the Broncos plan to split the reps. Coaches would be remiss, in light of 10 sacks and 32 pressures Wilkinson put on QB last year, not to give Dotson an audition.

Dotson gave up 34 QB presses last year, two more than Wilkinson, but was only credited with five sacks allowed according to Pro Football Focus. The important distinction here is that Dotson has started 15 games for the Bucs – three more than Wilkinson.

“First of all, I’m going to do what the team ask me to do,” Dotson told Klis. “If it’s to start, it’s to start. If it’s to save, it’s save. I’ve been a starter for the past eight years in the NFL. My state of mind is that I want to play on Sunday. I haven’t been on the sidelines since 2011.

“Obviously, I still believe I can play. I think I still have something to offer. I want to bring this to Denver. I’ll do my best, but whatever they ask me to do, whatever their plans for me, I’ll do whatever they ask me to do.

“If this is an opportunity to compete or an opportunity to come and be a replacement and bring my presence and be a mentor and help these kids, that’s what I’m going to do.

Dotson will wear the No. 78 jersey. Beginning Friday, August 14, the Broncos will start training camp in earnest with helmets and shells. This will be the first full squad training session of the summer with rookies / QBs / injured players eventually merged with veterans for field procedures.

Dotson’s history in the NFL is remarkable. Be sure to click on Klis’ story on 9NEWS and see how the former basketball star made his way into an opportunity in the NFL, but made the most of it.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHudde.