Denver Broncos: Outside linebacker 2018 position preview

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 20: Quarterback Mark Sanchez of the Denver Broncos is sacked for a 2 yard loss by linebacker Marcus Rush of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter of a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

The Rest

Marcus Rush, age 27

The Broncos picked up Rush near the end of the 2017 season before signing him to a reserve/futures contract. He spent some time with the top defense this offseason and has a chance to impress in the preseason as he always has throughout his NFL career. He might be in a make-or-break situation with his NFL career.

Stansly Maponga, age 27

Maponga was once thought of as a high-upside player coming out of TCU, but so far, he hasn’t been able to put anything together consistently. The Broncos have made a habit of extracting the best out of some defensive front seven players, and Maponga has a chance to show out with a cast of stars around him in the Broncos’ defense.

Next: What we learned from Broncos OTAs

Antonio Simmons, age 22

The rookie out of Georgia Tech joins a loaded group of pass rushers with some of the best athleticism and speed on the team, pound-for-pound.

Simmons has exceptional speed but that didn’t always translate on the field with Georgia Tech. With proper coaching, Simmons is a developmental player that could pay dividends for the Broncos down the line. Expect a few splash plays from him but some growing pains along the way.

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