Wesley Woodyard (52) during the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens won 38-35. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard was one of those rare gems that got lost in the swollen inbox of NFL scouts.

He slipped through the cracks if you will, and entered the league undrafted out of Kentucky.

“I thought I would never get to play this game again,” Woodyard said Wednesday morning on what went through his mind when he went undrafted. “I think that set in to me. I remember when I drove out here to go to the airport. It was dark, raining. I shed a few tears. Listened to one of my songs at the time, a Beanie Sigel song, and it was just a song that really touched me.”

Woodyard was the Broncos’ leading tackler last season with 117 tackles in 15 games. He did it in a season where many thought that he would just be a temporary starter until linebacker D.J. Williams returned from his suspension.

It was the chip on Woodyard’s undrafted shoulder that told him he could theoretically replace Williams for good.

“My thing is: being undersized and being undrafted, those chips will never go away for me, man. I go out there and I play smash-mouth football. That’s the way I play the game, and like I said, I’m a true competitor of the game, and I respect the game, but once you get on that field, it’s up to you to prove that future.”

In addition to leading the team in tackles, Woodyard went on to record 5.5 sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He was a true wrecking ball all over the field, and that’s the way he operates regardless of where he is on the depth chart.

“My approach is always going to be the same: out-work everybody,” Woodyard said. “That’s people at my position, people that are not at my position. That’s just me pushing myself. That’s just the type of person I am.”

Woodyard has always been a leader in the locker room. That’s why he was voted a special teams captain during his rookie year. Now his leadership is deeply injected into the heart of a defense that finally sees the same defensive coordinator for consecutive years.

Woodyard’s tears in that dark rainy night only serve as a humbling memory. The real emotion shows up on the field for him now.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.

D.J. Williams (55) during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)

Make D.J. Williams the latest former Denver Bronco to wear a different shade of orange and blue. Looking for a replacement for Brian Urlacher, the Chicago Bears have signed Williams to a one-year deal.

In comparison to Urlacher, Williams brings youth (he’s four years younger), 627 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and 13 career forced fumbles. After being suspended for nine games last season, Wiliams had just 14 tackles in seven games.

Williams will join Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall as former Broncos who have transplanted to Chicago.

If Williams hits certain playing time and workout incentives, he could earn up to $1.75 million. Maybe his trips to Miami and Las Vegas will decrease.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.

Dec 16 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) reacts to the win over the Baltimore Ravens at M

The D in Denver Broncos defense spells itself out in the names of D.J. Williams and Elvis Dumervil and this has been a tough week so far on the defense side for Denver (and it’s only Tuesday!) Today is the day when many players become available free agents, and Denver Broncos have been in long discussion regarding the restructure of 6 year veteran, Elvis Dumervil. After releasing D.J. Williams on Monday, the Broncos are trying to wheel-and-deal this week with current players that are becoming free agents today. It is safe to say that today the D doesn’t always mean Defense, but Dollar sign. With Denver likely not being able to come to negotiations with Dumervil, we very well could see him in another jersey this year.

Now, before my jaw dropped too, I had to consider that there is a method behind the madness. There is no doubt that Denver wants to keep Dumervil, and Dumervil wants to stay in Denver—but each side cannot see eye to eye on the contract restructure. Since they cannot agree and if they decide to release him; rest assured the Broncos franchise will do it sooner than later to allow Dumervil to take advantage of other teams while their cap room is still maxed. There are rumors floating about that Dumervil has asked the Broncos to release him as soon as today (Tuesday). Though I and others would hate to see him leave the Broncos lineup, if they release him sooner than later would be a respectful way of thanking Dumervil for all he has brought to Mile High.

Since 2006, Elvis Dumervil has had a total of 63.5 sacks, averaging 10.5 sacks each year he was a Bronco. In 2012, he racked up 11.0 sacks only being bested by the other half of Denver’s “Doom & Gloom” Defensive duo, Von Miller, who led the team with his 18.5 sacks. Fear not, Broncos Country, our franchise has some big plans coming up the pipe even with the sting of potentially losing a fan favorite such as Dumervil. When one door closes, another will open as they always say. If they cannot reach agreeable terms, I know there will be no hard feelings, it’s just business.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.