OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

Versatility is the watchword for the quartet of players who will provide depth behind the starting offensive line of left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Ron Leary, center Matt Paradis, right guard Connor McGovern and right tackle Jared Veldheer.

Interior backup Max Garcia started at left guard last year and also saw some repetitions at center during training camp. Rookie Sam Jones was listed as the second-team center during the preseason and can also step in at guard if needed. Billy Turner has experience at right guard and right tackle, while second-year veteran Elijah Wilkinson worked at left tackle, right tackle and right guard during training camp and the preseason.

"We have two guys who can swing inside and out and we have two guys in Sam Jones and Max Garcia who play center/guard. It's a perfect mix for us," Joseph said.

The Broncos have carried nine offensive linemen on their initial regular-season roster in each of Elway's eight seasons running the Broncos' football operations.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6)

Along with safety, the defensive line is one of two position groups on the Broncos' roster in which every player has regular-season experience. DeMarcus Walker's emergence as a pass-rush specialist gives him a chance to have a key role in the rotation, while Shelby Harris and Zach Kerr provide versatility and the ability to work at every defensive-line spot in the base alignment.

Starters Adam Gotsis, Derek Wolfe and Domata Peko Sr. helped give the Broncos' run defense lead the league in average per carry and percentage of runs that generated first downs and will be expected to provide similar work once again.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (4)

Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett could represent the best top-to-bottom complement of 3-4 outside linebackers in the NFL. Barrett and Ray each have 15 career starts over the last three seasons and have starting-quality skill sets, allowing the Broncos to give Miller and Chubb breathers.