The Broncos carved a distinct role for OLB Elvis Dumervil in their new 3-4 defense, and he's thriving in it. The fourth-year veteran has six sacks already after making just five in 16 games last season. Coordinator Mike Nolan is allowing him to focus on what he does best — rushing the passer, and to Nolan's credit, he's almost never asking Dumervil to follow tight ends or drop back into coverage, which are things Dumervil didn't do while playing defensive end in past years. He could be playing himself into a lucrative new contract offer when his deal expires after this season. It's not yet clear whether Dumervil will be a restricted or unrestricted free agent due to the possibility of an uncapped season, but if he keeps playing close to this level, teams that also run a 3-4, and perhaps even some 4-3 clubs, will no doubt be interested in him.

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