Not long ago, just a few months in fact, many people were calling Sylvester Williams and Derek Wolfe busts and wondering if Malik Jackson could play inside a 3-4 scheme with consistency. Those doubts were at the top of the list for possible reasons the Denver Broncos defense would fall short again.

Now, seven games into the 2015 season, all three defensive linemen are playing exceptionally well and are a huge part of the reason the Denver defense is No. 1 in the league in most meaningful statistical categories.

John Elway drafted all three players, Wolfe 36th overall in 2012 followed by Jackson 101 picks later and Williams 28th overall in 2013. Pressure for them to perform early was significant; the initial returns on Elway’s investments were sometimes underwhelming but also showed flashes of real talent. Those days seem to be over as all three have come into their own and contributed in various ways.

“We really got closer this year because we were able to see ourselves succeed. And we also knew coming into this season that it was like, ‘If the Broncos defensive line can get it together they can have a good defense.’  We were kind of the underdog or weak link of the defense and we wanted to come in and prove them wrong,” Williams said of his two teammates along the line Thursday.

Through just seven games, the trio has combined for 37 unassisted tackles, 10 of those for a loss, 5.5 sacks and eight quarterback hurries. The similar entry in the league and professional experience for all three players has built a bond between the three young talents. They all understand the pressures of being drafted by the organization and being counted on.

“After the first year people expect you to be who you are supposed to be. I was obviously a first-round pick and Wolfe was the team’s first pick, so there was a lot of pressure on us. Coming into the year, both of us kind of having down years last year, we knew we had to take our game to the next level. I went into the offseason motivated by the opportunity I was given to by the organization to get better every day and help this team win games. Obviously we have been able to do that so far,” Williams said Wednesday.

On paper, Williams’ numbers this season do not jump out, but his presence in the middle of Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense has been stellar. After starting four games his rookie year and 13 in 2014, the Broncos placed even more pressure on his shoulders in the offseason. Terrence Knighton left for free agency and all of a sudden Williams was in line for a huge role at nose tackle. He responded to the pressure and is on pace to far surpass his play count from his previous two seasons. He has also drawn high praise from his coaches, but he is remaining focused.

“It is definitely a good feeling. Obviously when your team is leaning on you and you can come through its great but the goal for me is to continue to get better each week.”

Williams is already just one tackle shy of his season high and has already tied his season high of two sacks. This year, Williams believes the trio has improved due to some veteran newcomers and maturing with the expectations of the team.

“I think the leader of our group, Coach [Bill] Kollar and Antonio Smith, guys like that came in and gave us that missing piece to help us take that next step in our careers and our play.”

Wolfe has turned a corner just like Williams this season. He showed promise last season after disappointing seasons in 2012 and ’13 but had to serve a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances to start 2015. He has bounced back nicely and was even named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance last Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. His seven tackles in the game helped the team hold the Packers to 140 net yards and certainly got head coach Gary Kubiak’s attention.

“When you get an honor like that, everybody else is watching that film, too, so it tells you how well he played. I’m proud of Derek. I think that the best thing that I can say about Derek is when you miss a month, as a coach, you’re scared to death of how a guy is going to come back. Derek took care of his business and when he came back, he was ready to play,” he said Wednesday.

The play of Wolfe has not surprised Von Miller, another highly touted defensive draft pick, who predicted his improved performance before the season began.

“He’s been grinding. He’s put his head down and just been grinding every single day. I’m proud of him. We’ve got our guy’s back. I said it before the season – it was going to be a different Derek Wolfe. I don’t think he’s finished yet,” Miller said Thursday.

Wolfe has improved in his pass rush as well and has paired nicely with his draft-class teammate Jackson. Jackson has started where he left off last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was the third-ranked defensive end in a 3-4 system. His overall rating of 32.5 trailed only Michael Bennett and Cameron Wake. He has enjoyed playing on a talented group with the Broncos and it has only increased his motivation to get better each week.

“I’m with two of the best at ends [Miller and DeMarcus Ware]; Tone [Antonio Smith] is in there creating havoc, all Pro Bowlers. I just want to be in that group. We got Sly [Williams], Vance [Walker], Wolfe out here doing big things so we have the rotation to go get them and it is never ending.”

Through seven games, all three players are on pace to play more snaps than ever before. Each player has also honed their skills into a more versatile style, which suggests why they are on the field more often. Jackson in particular has been on the field the most among the defensive line and has the most balanced ratings of both pass and run play according to PFF.

Wolfe’s return to the Broncos has helped them jump from 8th in average rushing yards allowed to 4th. There is no doubt that the talent on the roster fuels their individual growth and Jackson said as much immediately following the win over Green Bay.

“It is just great to be a part of a defense that comes here day-in and day-out and strives for greatness.”

Through seven games, the trio has been great, along with a long list of fellow teammates. It is hard for a team to play the underdog as they continue their undefeated winning streak, but Williams noted that he feels a different trend as they approach their meeting with the Indianapolis Colts.

“When you are as good as we are, you have a good team, a good quarterback, everybody wants to beat you. Everybody is circling the Broncos like, ‘If we can beat this team this could be the jump start to our season. This could get us going.’ I know that’s how they are looking at this week. We just want to build, build off that win last week. We want to get better, better and better.”

There is no doubt that Williams, Wolfe and Jackson have gotten better and better since their arrival to the NFL. It is no coincidence that the Broncos have as well.

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