Figuring out which linebackers will fit his defensive system is in the wheelhouse of first-year Broncos coach Vic Fangio.

Fangio’s first NFL job was a nine-year stint as the New Orleans Saints’ linebackers coach (1986-94), leading the “Dome Patrol” group of Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills and Pat Swilling.

“From an early age in the NFL, the bar was set high to what good linebacker play looks like,” Fangio said. “I’ve always been searching for it. Sometimes, it will tick off general managers when I tell them they’re not bringing in good enough players for those positions because the standard is high.”

If the Broncos don’t have the opportunity to draft LSU’s Devin White and pass on Michigan’s Devin Bush in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft, might Alabama’s Mack Wilson check enough boxes for Fangio in round 2?

A philosophical change for the Broncos’ defense is likely in their main sub-package and calls for athleticism at linebacker.

Last year, coach Vance Joseph used “dime” personnel — six defensive backs and one inside linebacker (Todd Davis). Last month, Fangio said he generally uses “nickel” personnel — five defensive backs and two inside linebackers. That creates a need for a must-cover-well linebacker if the Broncos envision Josey Jewell as primarily a run stopper.

Wilson (6-1, 240) had six interceptions and seven other pass break-ups his final two years at Alabama.

“The strength of my game is my ability to play any linebacker position, my ability to run sideline to sideline, cover tight ends, cover running backs, blitz, tackle,” Wilson said. “I feel I can do it all.”

Entering the 2018 season, Wilson was projected as a first-round pick after 40 tackles and four interceptions as a sophomore rotational player.

As a junior, he made 71 tackles, but …

“I thought his play kind of trailed off at the end of the year,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “He’s somebody that has all the athletic ability in the world. I think he might have lost (momentum) at the end of the year.”

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Wilson did not run the 40 at the Combine and his 32-inch vertical jump was 20th among linebackers. At Alabama’s Pro Day, he ran the 40 in 4.70 seconds, which would have been the 15th-fastest linebacker at the Combine.

If the Broncos go tight end, quarterback, etc., with the 10th overall pick, Wilson could fill a need in the second round, particularly if they want to semi-wean him into the NFL game by playing him in sub-package situations (more than 60 percent of the snaps).

Wilson wants to continue the Alabama linebacker tradition of Dont’a Hightower, C.J. Mosley and Rashaan Evans, all first-round draft picks since 2012.

“It’s a great feeling to know that all of those linebackers came through Alabama and (I’m) the next guy up,” Wilson said. “They want me to go out and just be great.”