Robert

Ayers

Cut by the Bucs following the 2017 season, Ayers could not find a new home for 2018. The No. 18 overall pick of the 2009 draft, Ayers notched four five-sack seasons, including a career-high 9.5 in 2015 for the Giants.

Nunnely was set to enter his fourth season as Broncos defensive line coach after 12 years in the same role with the division rival Chargers. Denver’s front four experienced a major leap in 2011 under Nunnely’s tutelage, so he will be missed. They’re turning to assistant Jay Rodgers to replace him.

The Broncos’ 2009 first-round pick took advantage of an injury-ravaged Steelers line for two sacks in Denver’s Wild Card upset. Ayers graded out as just the 43rd best 4-3 defensive end by Pro Football Focus this season, but somewhat offset his ineffectiveness as a pass rusher by standing tall against the run. Ayers is under contract for an affordable $965,000 in what will be a make-or-break 2012 campaign.

Although the 2009 first-rounder has been a stout run defender, he’s provided no semblance of a pass rush through three seasons. Hunter has earned more snaps with a physical camp, but he’s going to be pushed by fast-rising second-round DT Derek Wolfe, who is seeing plenty of action at defensive end.

He beat out Robert Ayers. The 36th overall pick in April’s draft, Wolfe should be an upgrade in run defense while kicking inside to tackle in Denver’s nickel package. Von Miller will replace Wolfe at left end on obvious passing downs. Wolfe seems unlikely to exceed 5-6 sacks in the role, but he’s a player on whom the Broncos are very high. He’s a bit of a poor man’s J.J. Watt.

He won’t be playing football this year. Hunter is ineligible for reserve/PUP because he didn’t begin camp on active/PUP, and the four-month timetable would have him back in mid-December. Hunter will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. The Broncos’ starting left end job should now come down to incumbent Robert Ayers versus impressive second-round pick Derek Wolfe.

Hunter appeared to sustain the injury while hitting a blocking sled in practice. A 14-game starter over the last two years, he had been promoted to the first-string ahead of Robert Ayers at the beginning of camp. Now Hunter is a candidate for injured reserve. Ayers and second-round rookie Derek Wolfe will battle for reps. Hunter is not eligible for the reserve/PUP list.

Robert Sr.'s passing was unexpected, and Robert Jr. led the Broncos out of the tunnel ahead of Sunday’s win over the Chiefs, going on to play with a heavy heart. Although Ayers is no longer a starter along Denver’s defensive front, he is a key role player and “wave” lineman. He has a sack and 12 tackles on the year.

With Dwight Freeney seeking $6 million per year and their interest in John Abraham waning, Denver is exploring low-cost alternatives to replace Elvis Dumervil. Rather than overpay for pricey vets, the Broncos “are starting to warm up” to the idea of starting Ayers on run downs and drafting a situational rusher.

With the Broncos out of the mix for Dwight Freeney and John Abraham, Ayers will slide into Elvis Dumervil’s old spot after Shaun Phillips was signed to be a nickel rusher. Ayers should cede snaps to Phillips on passing downs.