No. 4 – Von Miller

Denver has what seems to be an overabundance of plenty at outside linebacker, starting with arguably the best one in the game, Von Miller.

Add in DeMarcus Ware (when healthy) and the duo make up a dominating edge rush that no defense has shown the ability to contain. Even when Ware has been sidelined with injury, Shaquil Barrett has proved to be a disruptive force opposite Miller. And on the few snaps when Miller needs to catch his breath from constantly harassing quarterbacks, rookie and top draft pick Shane Ray has shown his own ability to make big plays.

But everything about Denver’s dominating pass rush, not to mention its stellar pass protection starts and ends with Miller. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, Pro Bowlers in their own right, are made even better when Miller is giving the quarterback less than two seconds to unload the ball. Miller plays a major part in the run game as well, eliminating the edge and absorbing blockers.

Miller is without a doubt Denver’s best player and the No. 1 defensive weapon opposing teams must game plan against. The only reason he’s not ranked higher on this list is the incredible depth that Denver has at the position. Still, losing Miller would be a major blow to the NFL’s best defense.