The Denver Broncos were one of the best teams in the NFL last season and despite losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs, the team is expected to be even better in 2013 after making a number of free agent signings, including wideout Wes Welker and cornerback Quentin Jammer.

The Broncos have a very talented roster and team executive John Elway is happy with the way some players are developing, including defensive lineman Derek Wolfe. According to ESPN.com, Bill Williamson writes that the team is happy with the development of Wolfe and that Elway is expecting him to step up after the loss of Elvis Dumervil, who signed with the Ravens after his agent messed up some paperwork that made him a free agent.

Wolfe is expected to soften the blow of losing Dumervil and Elway said that he has the chance to step up in his absence. Linebacker Von Miller, who has developed into one of the best defensive players in the league, said that Wolfe had made great strides and that he could make the jump from solid player to star very soon, much like J.J. Watt did with the Houston Texans in his second season. Miller said that Wolfe could make a similar impact with the Broncos that Watt did with the Texans and while the two have different skill sets, Wolfe showed some flashes last season while making six sacks and 40 tackles.

The former second-round pick was big for the Broncos last season and he will join new first-round pick Sylvester Williams on the line and Wolfe has already taken him under his wing. Williams said from camp that Wolfe is the type of player he wants to emulate and that he is always working hard in practice and doing extra reps to get better while running with the defense. Peyton Manning is expecting the Broncos D to be even better next season and with the addition of Welker, the offense should be great as well. The team went 13-3 last season while winning the AFC West and the team was ranked third in the league in both passing yards and rushing yards allowed per game.