5 Role Players Who Will Make or Break the Denver Broncos' Season

As the NFL preseason draws to a close and the regular season inches closer, we can start to predict how the season will go for some of the teams.

Of course, the Denver Broncos brought in one of the NFL's all-time great quarterbacks in Peyton Manning and they have a revamped defense led by new coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Von Miller is coming off being the NFL's defensive Rookie of the Year after having 11.5 sacks in 2011.

Against the San Francisco 49ers in the third preseason game, the passing game looked very potent while the starters were in, and both Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas look poised to become stars.

But who are the role players that are going to help Denver get to where they want to go this year? Who are the players flying under the radar that will make plays that result in the difference between a win and a loss?

Here's a look.

Joel Dreessen, Tight End

Joel Dreessen caught a touchdown pass against the 49ers and has arguably had a better preseason than Jacob Tamme, both in their first year as members of the Broncos.

Dreessen's single season best was 36 receptions in 2010 as a member of the Texans, but he could easily surpass that this season.

At 6'4", he provides a big target for Manning and he excels as a run blocker. Dreessen should be a tremendous asset for the Broncos this season.

Joe Mays, Linebacker

Joe Mays is quickly becoming one of the leaders of the Broncos defense. He brings an intensity to the middle linebacker position that is also beginning to give the defense an identity.

Mays has improved each year since he came into the league and had 75 tackles last year. He is a very good run stopper who quickly fills the gap and punishes opposing running backs.

And to think, the Broncos got this guy for J.J. Arrington.

Wesley Woodyard, Linebacker

Wesley Woodyard could be as important as any Bronco this coming season, as he will be expected to fill in for the suspended D.J. Williams.

Woodyard will likely get some help from rookie Danny Trevathan and maybe even veteran Keith Brooking in certain situations, but he has always stepped up when the team has needed him.

Woodyard had 97 tackles in 2011 and along with Mays and Miller, the three could make up an excellent trio at linebacker, one that may convince the front office that Williams is no longer needed.

Matt Prater, Kicker

Matt Prater has become one of the league's premier place kickers, particularly from 50-plus yards and he was responsible for a good part of the Broncos success in 2011, namely a 13-10 win over the Chicago Bears in which he kicked a 59-yard field goal to send the game to overtime, and then a 51-yard field goal to snatch victory from the hands of defeat.

Prater has made 78.4 percent of his career field goals, but it's his strong leg that makes him most dangerous. A 60-yard field goal is not out of his reach, and that is a weapon the Broncos can take advantage of.

Brandon Stokley, Wide Receiver

The Broncos brought in Andre Caldwell as a free agent from Cincinnati in the offseason but he has had a quiet preseason, leaving the job for slot receiver wide open.

Brandon Stokley, who many thought may not make this team, is now in a perfect position to not only be part of the final 53-man squad, but to earn the No. 3 spot.

Stokley has caught many balls from Manning as the two spent time in Indianapolis together, and doing the same in Denver would be crucial to the passing game.

Manning will need another target to throw to, especially in order to convert key third downs. That is an area that Stokley is very proficient in.