When the Broncos cut inside linebacker Andra Davis, one of the main reasons was Robert Ayers. The team is going into the 2010 season ready to give the 18th pick of last year’s draft a starting spot without much of a safety net.

It’s quite a gamble by the Broncos, and one that hasn’t received too much attention.

Not only did the Broncos promote Ayers, they didn’t bring in much competition. Akin Ayodele would factor in if Ayers struggles – Ayodele could play the inside and Mario Haggan could go back outside, which isn’t his natural position but one he started at last year. But the Broncos have made it clear Haggan has moved back inside permanently. And there really aren’t any other options on the roster to displace Ayers. Darrell Reid is a good player but is coming off major knee surgery. Jarvis Moss hasn’t shown he can have an impact in the NFL. The rest of the outside linebacker candidates are mostly journeymen. This is not just Ayers’ job to lose – if he isn’t the starter and isn’t hurt at the start of the season, it’s a major disappointment.

The Broncos are gambling on Ayers making a big jump. Last season he played just about every passing down in the nickel defense, and had just 18 tackles, three quarterback hits and no sacks. He didn’t look out of place physically, but didn’t produce much.

That is understandable because Ayers was getting used to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He struggled to learn the nuances of the position, and admitted last year it was a tough transition. He was even deactivated for a game during the season.

Before the draft, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels praised Ayers.

“He is doing a great job in our offseason program,” McDaniels said. “He has a great attitude and he understands the role we hope he play this year on our football team and I think he really wants to meet us right where he is at.”

The Broncos need Ayers to make the leap they think he is capable of, or the defense will be scrambling to fill a big hole.

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