D’Qwell Jackson, after receiving a $22 million contract, is playing inside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. Not the Broncos.

C.J. Mosley, drafted May 8 as the No. 17 overall pick, will play inside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. Not the Broncos.

Despite serious attempts to fill their middle linebacker position with big names from free agency, then the draft, the Broncos were left to look within their locker room. In Nate Irving, the Broncos found their No. 1 question mark of the 2014 season.

“I’m not out to prove anybody wrong,” Irving said. “I’m out to be the best I can be and show the coaches I am what I am. I’m going to be the middle linebacker and I’m going to do the job it takes to stay the middle linebacker.”

Irving was given this same opportunity at this point last year. Denver’s 2013 organized team activities (OTAs) opened with Irving in the middle. Then Steven Johnson was the first-string middle linebacker the next week. Then Stewart Bradley seized the job, until he suffered a season-ending wrist injury in the preseason.

The regular season opened with undersized Wesley Woodyard shifting in from weakside linebacker, then 36-year-old Paris Lenon took over the middle in December.

Middle linebacker in the NFL used to belong to Nitschke, Bednarik and Butkus. The Broncos in recent years treated the position as if every Paris, Wesley and Stewart Bradley could play it. Irving, meanwhile, shifted out to strongside linebacker, where he received playing time in relief of the suspended, then injured, Von Miller.

Irving played well.

“I know he comes in with a lot of confidence based on the way he played last year, and the fact that he’s very familiar with our defense,” said Jack Del Rio, the Broncos’ defensive coordinator.

The offseason is about choices. The Broncos invested big money in a pass rusher (DeMarcus Ware), a cover corner (Aqib Talib) and a strong safety (T.J. Ward).

At middle linebacker, Irving showed enough promise for the Broncos to not feel forced to overpay Jackson in free agency, or surrender three draft picks for the opportunity to move up from their No. 31 draft position to acquire Mosley. Now it’s up to Irving to convince his bosses not to change their minds again.

“Whoever they bring in, it’s going to be competition and only make it better for the team as a whole,” Irving said. “I can’t be a selfish person. I want to compete against the best person out there, whether it’s Joe Blow or John Doe.”

That may be, but it’s easier to win competitions when the Joes, Does or D’Qwells don’t have $22 million contracts.

Mike Klis: mklis@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikeklis