With Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware set to sit out the team’s preseason opener against the Bears Thursday, promising young defenders Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray will be the Broncos’ two starting outside linebackers.

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After practice Tuesday, Miller spoke of Barrett and Ray as if they were his children.

“They’re doing pretty good. They’re always well behaved and respectful. I raised those guys up well. I’m proud of them,” Miller said, according to a quote sheet released by the team. “I’m proud of the strides they’ve taken as football players and as professionals—on and off the field.”

Barrett recorded 5.5 sacks in six starts when filling in for an injured Ware last season. Ray recorded 4.0 sacks as a rotational rusher. If not for playing behind two future Hall of Fame defenders, Barrett and Ray would likely be household names.

“Shaq would probably be starting on any other team, and the same with Shane,” Miller said. “That type of depth that we have on our football team is going to help us this season.”

That’s bad news for opponents and great news for Denver’s future.