Name: Outside linebacker Von Miller.
Height/Weight: 6'3, 246 pounds.
Selection/College: 2nd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, played collegiate ball at Texas A&M.
Quickly: The NFL has evolved into a passing league, which in effect causes everything to revolve around the quarterbacks. In fact, the left tackle -- the position that usually has the task of protecting the quarterbacks' blindside -- is generally the second-highest paid position for many franchises. Needless to say, protecting the quarterback on offense and getting to him on defense is the highest priority for teams.
Playing the 'Sam' or 'Strongside' outside linebacker position on first and second down, Miller will move to defensive end on third downs to team up with fellow pass rusher Elvis Dumervil to form one of the best pass rushing tandems in the League. Getting to the quarterback was an area where Denver struggled last season, managing to record only 23 sacks. During his final two seasons at Texas A&M, Miller recorded 27.5 sacks alone, which is probably part of the reason John Elway says he is the first piece in the puzzle of bringing back the Orange Crush defense.
Name: Safety Rahim Moore.
Height/Weight: 6'0, 202 pounds.
Selection/College:
45th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, played collegiate ball at UCLA.
Quickly: The Broncos secondary was, like the entire defense, in shambles last season. With their two starting safeties aging, the Broncos looked to address the position in the draft - which they did. Moore will bring his ball hawking and playmaking ability to Denver's secondary and learn under veteran safety Brian Dawkins and fellow defensive back Champ Bailey.
Expected to quickly emerge as a starter in Denver's defense, Moore was considered the top safety in the draft by many scouts and was the top safety on the Broncos' draft board. There are high expectations for Moore heading into this season, hopefully he won't disappoint.
Name: Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin.
Height/Weight: 6'6, 316 pounds.
Selection/College: 46th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, played collegiate ball at Miami.
Quickly: The Broncos offensive line struggled last season and has strayed from the mean, dominate group it used to be. The team addressed that when it selected Franklin in the second round. A versatile player, Franklin can play either tackle or guard positions and is known for his nasty demeanor and aggressive style of play.
He adds a lot of depth to Denver's roster and could become a starter in year one. Behind Franklin, the Broncos running game looks to improve and their quarterbacks can expect to be better protected.
Name: Inside linebacker Nate Irving.
Height/Weight: 6'1, 240 pounds.
Selection/College: 67th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, played collegiate ball at N.C. State.
Quickly: The Broncos continued to address the defense with the Irvin selection. A tough, playmaking linebacker, Irvin has an inspiring story and could start in John Fox's 4-3 defense as a rookie in 2011.
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