Denver Broncos' New-Look Linebackers: Dumervil Thinks Defense Will Be "Nasty"

I don't often open my articles with a quote, because I feel it is a bit cliche', but Elvis Dumervil's statement on the new-look Denver defense is just too good to leave for later.

"We're going to be nasty," Dumervil said. "We've gotten a lot of proven starters from other teams...so it's good to kind of have all those pieces of the puzzle come together. Now all we have to do is go through (organized team activities) and camp and get everyone jelled together."

It has been nearly five years since Denver had a defense worthy of being called "nasty", and some fans are saying "I'll believe it when I see it." 

The Broncos' biggest strength on defense as of last season, and quite frankly since 2005 has been its linebackers. Over the course of the next month, they only figure to get better.

Let's get to know the new Broncos linebacker corps, which will include at least four new names come opening day.

D.J. Williams: No. 55, sixth season

Williams is by far and away Denver's best linebacker. He is big, fast, athletic, a good pass rusher, and is excellent in pass coverage. In 2008, he missed five games to injury and still managed to rack up 93 tackles and 2.5 sacks. 

In the new 3-4 defensive scheme, Williams will start at middle linebacker, where he once racked up 141 tackles (2007) to lead the AFC. 

D.J. Williams is a captain on the defense, and while he is not a great vocal leader, he is definitely the most talented player on the Denver defense not named Champ.

Jarvis Moss: No. 94, third season

Broncos fans are still waiting for the former first round pick to show that he was worthy of the 17th overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft. 

Moss is an absolute physical marvel, who reminds me a lot of Jason Taylor at 6'6" 265 pounds. He definitely didn't fit in well as a 4-3 end, and Mike Shanahan often scratched him off as a healthy inactive.

There was some speculation back in April of 2007 that Moss would be best suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and now we will have the chance to see if that holds true. He is a great athlete, and we'll see if he holds up in coverage wee enough to earn the starting job opposite Elvis Dumervil.

One thing Denver fans want to see out of Jarvis is more intensity. He is so physically and athletically gifted, but he doesn't seem to be there mentally. If he can put it together, he could be primed for a breakout year at outside linebacker. Think Calvin Pace with Arizona.

Elvis Dumervil: No. 92, fourth season

Dumervil has been Denver's top pass rushing threat over the last three years.  In his short career, the former NCAA Defensive Player of the Year has racked up 26 sacks, seven fumbles forced, seven fumbles recovered, and an interception.

He absolutely wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. 

Dumervil is a matchup nightmare because of his quickness off the ball, and his long arms and upper body strength negate his small stature (Dumervil stands at only 5'11"). 

While it is unknown how well he will transition to outside linebacker, Dumervil has intercepted a pass, and has been able and willing to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage.

Andra Davis: No. 54, eighth season

Davis joins the Broncos after spending seven seasons in Cleveland with the Browns.  To describe him in short, he is a tackling machine. 

Since becoming the starter in Cleveland back in 2003, Davis is averaging 103 tackles per season.  I wrote an article about how Davis could really flourish alongside D.J. Williams in Denver's new look defense, and I stand firm on that.

Davis was a team captain with the Browns, and hopefully he can bring that same leadership and intensity with him to the Broncos.

Darrell Reid: No. 95, fifth season

I will start of the Darrell Reid segment by directing you to a YouTube clip of him. If you do not remember Reid in particular, you will when you re-visit the clip.

Immediately after signing him, I pegged Reid as a sure fire defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. Not so fast. Josh McDaniels recently stated that Reid is versatile enough to stand up and play some outside linebacker. Perhaps in the mold of an Adailius Thomas?

Reid also brings the Broncos a strong tackler on special teams, which they have truly lacked over the years.

Wesley Woodyard: No. 59, second season

Woodyard was arguably Denver's top defensive rookie last season, and he was an undrafted rookie free agent. 

He reminds me a lot of Ian Gold, and when D.J. Williams was hurt last season, Woodyard provided a great replacement for the Broncos.

In six starts, Dumervil had 55 tackles for the Broncos. In the new scheme, he will likely serve as a middle linebacker or rover to potentially spell Brian Dawkins in obvious passing situations.

Spencer Larsen: No. 46, second season

Larsen may as well wear a leather helmet when the Broncos put on the old school uniforms. This guy is as old school as they come. Like Darrell Reid, I feel compelled to send you readers off to a YouTube clip of him.

If that hit doesn't get you excited about some football, then you better make sure you are actually a fan of the game.

Larsen is probably most famous for becoming the first Denver Bronco to start the game on offense at fullback, defense at middle linebacker, and as a striker on the kickoff team. 

He is one of the more versatile players on the defense, although he will not "wow" anybody with his physical abilities.

Boss Bailey: No. 97, seventh season

As much flak as Bailey catches for being overrated and possibly a bust free agent signing, he truly was off to a great start with Denver before going down for the season with an injury.

In six games, he had 40 tackles and was on his way to the first 100 tackle season of his career. In the new scheme, Bailey figures to be a rover type of player, very similar to Wesley Woodyard.

He is extremely fast, and when he came into the league there were rumors that he would be a strong safety and not a linebacker.

If the Broncos can get beefy up front, they could have one of the best groups of linebackers in the NFL. Along with a vastly improved secondary, Broncos fans have something positive to look forward to among the linebackers as well.