Rookie making big strides on the Broncos defense

Among the Denver Broncos rookies, Robert Ayers is the first to take a big step toward major playing time.

Repetitions haven't been plentiful for the rookies in minicamp. Coach Josh McDaniels won't halt practice when a rookie doesn't understand his assignment. So when Ayers spent almost all of Wednesday's practice with the starting base defense, it was a bit of a surprise.

Ayers' position was also unusual. When he was selected in the first round of April's draft, McDaniels said Ayers probably would begin his career at end and could move to outside linebacker. During practice, Ayers spent almost all of his time at outside linebacker, replacing normal starter Elvis Dumervil, who was excused because of family reasons.

Ayers took the promotion to the first team as a good sign.

"I've been doing pretty good," he said. "Right now that spot is Elvis' and we're battling for it."

At 272 pounds, Ayers could play either position, and the team has needs at both. Apparently, the coaches have liked what they've seen from him standing up on the outside.

"Wherever they ask me to play, whatever position," Ayers said. "I feel comfortable at both."

McDaniels said he expects many players to be able to move seamlessly between defensive end and outside linebacker, depending on the situation.

"I think that's very common with most 3-4 teams in this league," McDaniels said. "Your outside linebackers usually become your defensive ends in passing-type situations and we should be no different."

Other rookies also are climbing the ladder. Running back Knowshon Moreno, the team's other first-round pick, was behind LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter on Wednesday. Second-round pick Alphonso Smith has been working behind No. 3 cornerback Jack Williams, a 2008 draftee. Another second-round pick, Darcel McBath, is working with the starters in some packages but is a long way from challenging veterans and starting safeties Brian Dawkins and Renaldo Hill.

Ayers should be a big part of the defense this season, and he's improving at a good pace.

"I'm still making some minor errors, and I'm making big errors too, but the good thing about it is I'm getting better and learning," he said.