Why Derek Wolfe Is Denver Broncos' Most Overlooked 2015 Starter

The Denver Broncos will have a new look on defense next season, brought on primarily by the hiring of new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Known for running a 3-4 defensive scheme, Phillips will be looking for a faster, more athletic defense than the one that Jack Del Rio fielded for the last several years.

It will be a change for many of the players on defense, but others, such as DeMarcus Ware and Antonio Smith, have experience playing in a 3-4 base.

So how could Derek Wolfe be the most overlooked starter going into next season?

Well, he's easy to overlook at this point. After all, his sack numbers have decreased each year of his career, from six as a rookie down to just 1.5 last year. Despite playing in all 16 games last season, he seemed to all but disappear from games.

Following his rookie season, Wolfe has fought through health issues, and his level of play has definitely dropped off. Some fans may feel that Wolfe hasn't been the same since this scary injury suffered in a preseason game in 2013.

But under the guidance of Phillips and new defensive line coach Bill Kollar, Wolfe will get the chance to play a 5-technique in a 3-4 defense, and fans may quickly realize that may be his natural position.

Using his strength, Wolfe will be able to set the edge and become a very good edge defender. His contributions to the defense won't just come as a pass-rusher, either, as he is stout against the run.

Most importantly, Wolfe could free up opportunities for Denver's athletic linebacker corps. With Wolfe occupying offensive tackles as a serious pass-rushing threat, linebackers like Ware and Von Miller can shoot through the gaps to get to the quarterback.

Having more speed and athleticism on the field with four linebackers is really the point of a 3-4 defense, and this would be one way to take advantage of that.

Smith, who was recently brought in as a free agent, had 18.5 sacks in three seasons while playing under Phillips. At 33 years old, he still has plenty to offer on the field, but the knowledge he can pass on to a guy like Wolfe will be invaluable.

Wolfe can easily occupy that role in Phillips' new defense, and surpassing the six sacks he registered as a rookie is not unlikely.

Last season, Pro Football Focus rated Wolfe at No. 58 out of 59 defensive ends in terms of pass-rushing. In his rookie season, despite six sacks, he came in at No. 62 out of 62 defensive ends who were ranked.

Wolfe had 19.5 sacks in college at Cincinnati, including 9.5 in his senior season. He has the ability to rush the passer. He just needs to get back to being the player who is a threat to do so.

That is where Phillips and Kollar come in. They will get the best out of this young man.

Take a look at what ESPN's Mel Kiper tweeted about Wolfe prior to the 2012 NFL draft.

"

One of the more under-rated standouts at DT is Cincinnati's Derek Wolfe. Also an ideal 3-4 DE. Former wrestler-Big, quick, strong, athletic

— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) March 30, 2012"

Denver fans have yet to see the best of Wolfe, who really is built to play in a 3-4 defense. He will be able to showcase his abilities and stand out as one of the best players on the entire defense.

For a defense that already has Ware, Miller, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and T.J. Ward, it's easy to forget about Wolfe. But he will become a regular contributor this season.

2015 will be a breakout campaign for Wolfe.