Broncos draftee Robert Ayers told reporters not to be fooled by the fact he was a starter for only his senior season at Tennessee.
A 6-foot-3, 273-pound defensive end, Ayers led the Volunteers in sacks (four) in 2007 as a junior.
“I felt as a junior I was up with any defensive end in the country, I just didn’t start,” Ayers said.
As a senior, Ayers recorded three sacks and led the Southeastern Conference with 15 1/2 tackles for losses. He had six quarterback pressures.
Ayers said he talked to the Broncos earlier in the week.
“I was thinking that Denver needed defensive ends,” Ayers said. “I was excited when they picked me. I think I fit in their scheme.”
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said Ayers is quick enough and strong enough to play a variety of positions in a 3-4 defense, including defensive end and outside linebacker. Ayers said the team talked to him about being moved around in Denver’s defensive system.
“I’m versatile enough that I could do multiple things,” Ayers said. “I feel I’m ready to play wherever they ask me to play.”
Ayers said he’s thrilled Denver also chose Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno in the first round. Ayers said Moreno was the best tailback he faced.
“He’s one of the hardest runners,” Ayers said.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
