(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Because of his great speed and athleticism, it is not out of the question that the Broncos could use Woodyard as a middle linebacker, outside linebacker on passing downs, special teams gunner, and "rover" or safety in goal line situations.
4. Spencer Larsen
Speaking of versatility, have you ever heard of Spencer Larsen?
If not, he is the first player in Broncos' history and the fourth in NFL since 1990 to start a game on both offense and defense, when he opened the game as the starting fullback and linebacker.
It should also be noted that he also began the game on kick coverage.
Larsen was picked by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Arizona, and instantly became one of the key players on the Broncos' special teams unit.
Some feel he has the potential and the intelligence to eventually be a starter at middle linebacker, but with Wesley Woodyard and D.J. Williams in the mix long-term, it could be hard for him to be anything more than a rotational player.
Larsen's duties on offense did not go anywhere beyond throwing blocks as the fullback, but he did finish third on the team with nine special teams tackles and 22 tackles overall.
5. Nick Greisen
Greisen joins the Broncos after seven seasons playing for some pretty notable defenses that included Baltimore, Jacksonville, and the New York Giants.
He is a career special teams player and backup, but he has been solid in whatever role he has played.
For his career, he has 255 total tackles and hopes to potentially provide the Broncos with a big-hitter on special teams, where he has 63 total career stops.
He always seems to find his way to an NFL roster, but he may have a tough time cracking the final list here in Denver with so much depth at this position.
6. Mario Haggan
Haggan is not a well-known player in this league, but for what it's worth, he made the most significant contribution of his NFL career in 2008 with the Broncos.
In only half a season in 2008, he set a career high with 20 total tackles and over the last five years he has established himself as a top special teams player at this level.
From 2004-2006, he recorded 49 special teams stops, which was good for seventh in the NFL over that time period.
7. Lee Robinson
Robinson is a rookie linebacker prospect who went undrafted in 2009 and was signed by the Broncos as a college free agent out of Alcorn State.
Many Bronco fans are really pulling for Robinson to make the final roster, but that seems like a pipe dream at this point. He has a very good chance at making the practice squad and possibly as a special teams player down the road.
He was absolutely dominant for Alcorn State, recording 334 tackles, 18.5 sacks, three interceptions, and seven forced fumbles in his collegiate career.
The middle linebacker position is one that Bronco fans can head into the season knowing exactly what they are going to get: consistency. This group of linebackers will be coached by Don Martindale, who has been coaching the stellar group out West with the Oakland Raiders for the last five seasons.
He will be assisted by three-time Super Bowl champion and former New England Patriot Roman Phifer.
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