LB Von Miller

Miller staked his claim as the Broncos’ best defensive player last season and many believe he might be the team’s best player overall. If he takes his game a little higher from last season’s dizzying array of numbers — 18½ sacks, 28 tackles for a loss, 13 run stuffs and six forced fumbles to go with in interception return for a touchdown — he’s back in the mix for the league’s defensive player of the year award. He is the chess piece Jack Del Rio has to set free this season.

QB Peyton Manning

Talk to most anyone in and around the Broncos and the word most associated with Manning is “comfort,” as in an increased comfort level with the team’s offense, personnel and his surroundings. There are some small questions about his physical limitations, in terms of the grip in his right hand and the strength in his right triceps in the wake of the Broncos’ stunning playoff loss to the Ravens at frigid Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Wide receivers

Wes Welker’s arrival will give defenses a troubling choice — double Demaryius Thomas and allow Welker, above, and Eric Decker to pick away at single coverage or find gaps in the zone, or double Welker and leave Thomas in single coverage down the field. Toss in the Broncos’ tight ends and they figure to force a steady diet of nickel and dime defenses and some exotic looks in the pass rush. But these guys have to be willing to share the ball to make it all work.

RBs Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball

With defenses likely to deploy those smaller formations to slow the Broncos’ passing game, Hillman, above, and Ball should find some gaps to run through. Both, however, need to show decisiveness and not leave yardage on the table because of pitter-patter feet. Hillman will open camp as the starter and Ball, a high-profile rookie, will get a look as a third-down option and a rotation runner on early downs.

OT Ryan Clady

Nothing in life is free, and with a $52.5 million deal comes great responsibility. Clady is one of the Broncos’ highest-paid players with a five-year ironman streak in tow. The Broncos need him to dominate on the field and be a leader off it. And given the uncertainty with guard Chris Kuper and center J.D. Walton because of their ankle injuries and surgeries, Clady will have to be more than a hardworking guy content to sit in the background.

2013 Draft Class

DT Sylvester Williams

First round, 28th overall

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 315 pounds

College: North Carolina

FYI: The NFL draft’s first round is a long way from the assembly line of Modine Manufacturing, which is the road Williams traveled to the Broncos after two years as a starter for the Tar Heels and two seasons at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.

Outlook: Should be in the rotation from the start. The Broncos see Williams being an immediate impact player.

RB Montee Ball

Second round, 58th overall

Height: 5-10

Weight: 215

College: Wisconsin

FYI: Ball finished his career at Wisconsin as the Football Bowl Subdivision leader in carries (924), yards rushing (5,140), rushing touchdowns (77) and total touchdowns (82).

Outlook: While some see those numbers as high mileage, the Broncos see them as proof that Ball is a proven prospect ready for NFL duty from the get-go.

CB Kayvon Webster

Third round, 90th overall

Height: 5-11

Weight: 198

College: South Florida

FYI: Most personnel folks in the league believe the Broncos reached to grab Webster in the draft. He has the build that defensive coaches like. And he led South Florida in tackles last year with 82 — as a cover corner.

Outlook: Webster is looking at special- teams work as well as a potential spot in the Broncos’ special defensive pack- ages. With a good preseason, he could squeeze his way into the dime defense or into the seven-DB package.

DE Quanterus Smith

Fifth round, 146th overall

Height: 6-5

Weight: 255

College: Western Kentucky

FYI: Smith is coming off a knee injury (torn anterior cruciate ligament) suffered in the 10th game of the 2012 season, but he participated in the Broncos’ offseason program on a limited basis and has said that he will be ready for the start of training camp.

Outlook: Smith’s three-sack game against Alabama last season was a rare feat against a powerhouse program. It also was a window into his potential as a pro pass rusher. He has flashed the ability to work to the inside in the pass rush, a key for any young player to contribute quickly on an NFL defense.

WR Tavarres King

Fifth round, 161st overall

Height: 6-1

Weight: 191

College: Georgia

FYI: King played in a school-record 56 games for the SEC power and finished his career ranked third in school history with 21 touchdown receptions. He also ranks fourth in school history with 2,602 yards on receptions.

Outlook: King is one of those players who can be a sign of a team’s draft prowess — a middle-round pick who contributes a lot in the seasons to come. He played a lot of games in the nation’s best conference and figures to get some snaps on offense this season.

OT Vinston Painter

Sixth round, 173rd overall

Height: 6-6

Weight: 309

College: Virginia Tech

FYI: Painter was a one-year starter for the Hokies, making 13 starts as a senior. He also played guard after opening his Tech career at defensive tackle.

Outlook: He is a physically gifted prospect who will continue to smooth out the rough edges. He could be a practice- squad option if the Broncos avoid injuries up front in training camp.

QB Zac Dysert

Seventh round, 234th overall

Height: 6-3

Weight: 221

College: Miami (Ohio)

FYI: Dysert finished his career with a school-record 12,678 total yards as a four-year starter. He broke the school record that was held by now-Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger.

Outlook: Among the quarterbacks the Broncos looked at as a potential late-round pick, they clearly liked Dysert the best. He plays with confidence — he was a three-year captain at Miami — and was a 63.8 percent passer for his career. If the Broncos keep three QBs, he’s No. 3 or on the practice squad.