ENGLEWOOD — Emotions will run high for Broncos rookie Jonah Elliss before his NFL regular-season debut.

But those Sunday nerves in Seattle won’t last for long.

“Even during preseason, I was feeling it. We’ll see how this goes,” Elliss told The Denver Gazette from his locker room stall at Broncos Park. “But usually, after the first hit, you’re good.”

Elliss — selected No. 76 overall (third round) in the draft — earned the spotlight over three exhibition games with two sacks, plus a forced fumble and recovery. It earned him a spot on the Pro Football Focus All-Rookie Team for the preseason.

“Where I’m at mentally right now is just doing my job, whether that’s special teams or defense, just doing that job to 100% completion,” Elliss said. “No mental errors. Just really working at that.”

Broncos teammates are taking notice ahead of Week 1 at the Seahawks.

“He’s going to be a really good player. I’m not just saying that because he’s a fellow Utah guy,” inside linebacker Cody Barton said of Elliss. “He’s very athletic. He can run, cover and rush. Very versatile. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

But the NFL learning curve for edge rushers can be especially steep.

There are exceptions, of course, like 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith’s 14 sacks as a rookie in 2011. But making the college-to-pros jump typically requires a different type of edge rushing skillset. Let defensive coordinator Vance Joseph explain.

“The biggest learning curve in general is how to rush the big tackles. It’s not really speed on the edge, it’s kind of through a guy. That’s tough for young rushers,” Joseph said after practice Thursday. “The ones with great quickness, and great get off and speed — that doesn’t always work. … For some young rushers, they’re too much speed and they get pushed past the quarterback an awful lot.

“It’s a dark, tough job. It’s not a pretty job at all, rushing the passer. Most of your sacks you see on tape; it’s dirty, grimy hustle sacks, and it’s through a man. That’s hard for young guys.”

Elliss (6-foot-2, 246 pounds) benefits from a clean bill of health entering Week 1. He endured a shoulder injury while playing at Utah. His father, Utes defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss, told The Denver Gazette last month that his son was “still recovering” in preseason.

“I feel great right now,” Jonah Elliss said Wednesday. “My shoulder is good. My knee is good. I’m ready to go.”

Much of his confidence also stems from a strong relationship with new teammates in the outside linebackers room: Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper. The trio combined for 21 sacks last season.

“Honestly, all three of them — Nik, Barron and Coop — have all helped me a ton,” Elliss said. “They’re very knowledgeable in the position, especially when it comes to pass rush. I’m learning from them. Really sitting down with them and trying to understand the scheme.

“You can tell the vets know exactly what they’re doing. They’ve really helped the younger guys pick up what it is, too. It’s a huge blessing have that in this locker room. Everyone is so close here.”