DE Jason Hunter Listed As Starter On Broncos’ Depth Chart

Competition is what training camp is all about. Ask Jason Hunter and he’ll tell you just that.

Hunter was the classic backup until Monday when the team made him first string strongside defensive end on the long-awaited depth chart.

The 7-year veteran who was was undrafted out of Division I-AA Appalachian State is in stiff competition with Derek Wolfe, the team’s first pick in the 2012 draft, and Robert Ayers, the team’s first round selection (18th overall) in 2009.

“We’ve definitely got a lot of depth a lot of guys [who are] competing hard and playing hard,” Hunter said Monday after practice. “We’ve got a great group of guys, and they’re a lot of fun to work with.”

Hunter has been a staple on special teams for the Broncos. His best year in the NFL came in 2010 when he had 60 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. In 2011, he dropped off with 21 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.

His hard work this off season has paid off thus far. As for whether Hunter feels pressure to stay with the No. 1 unit, he says he’s just trying to do his job.

“You know, I’m just enjoying football right now,” Hunter said. “I’m not really thinking about depth or losing my spot because I know what I have to do and how I have to play. That’s what I’m going to do, whether I’m with the ones, twos or threes. That’s one of the things I’m working on this camp, is being consistent. I know that if I can be consistent and play the way that I know I can play, everything else will take care of itself.”

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