Outside linebackers learn as they go with Broncos

ENGLEWOOD • They’re not rookies, but the Broncos outside linebackers feel like it at times.

Starters Elvis Dumervil and Darrell Reid and backup Tim Crowder are former defensive linemen. So are Robert Ayers, a rookie holdout, and Jarvis Moss, who left camp Saturday but might return today.

So they had to learn pass coverage and how to stand up on the outside, instead of lining up with a hand on the ground.

“I’ve still got a long way to go,” Dumervil said. “It’s a different element.”

Dumervil, who recorded 25.5 sacks in his first three seasons at end, looked great Sunday at training camp, rushing from the edge to drop running backs LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter for losses on consecutive plays.

Crowder could benefit from the change. A 2007 second-round pick, Crowder had a promising rookie season and then bottomed out last year with only four tackles.

“It gives me a chance for a fresh start,” he said.

Ayers will factor into the corps at some point, even though negotiations with the 18th overall pick were moving slowly as of Sunday morning.

Coach Josh McDaniels said the team will utilize the strengths of the outside linebackers.

“I know being physical and hitting people is one thing that all of them are capable of and we’re going to ask them to do a lot of that,” McDaniels said. “One thing when we ask them to drop back in pass coverage, we’re going to make sure we’re smart with what we ask them to do. We’re not going to put them on (San Diego tight end) Antonio Gates and tell them to flag him all over the field.”