Without a deep, talented rookie class, the Denver Broncos would be in trouble.

On Thursday against the Cleveland Browns, three rookies started on offense, one started on defense and two others played extensively in situational roles. Overall, 11 rookies contributed to a 34-30 win and helped the Broncos improve to 5-4, which leads the AFC West.

“I can’t remember another team playing 11 rookies, starting six and having four tailbacks injured and winning a game like that,” assistant general manager Jeff Goodman said.

More than halfway into the season, just about every draft pick and a handful of undrafted rookies have made some positive impression.

Offensive tackle Ryan CladyDenver had no threat of a running game in the second half Thursday, often lined up in empty backfield sets, and still, Clady didn’t allow a sack. He hasn’t allowed a sack all season at left tackle even though the Broncos are second in the NFL in pass attempts. He has a good chance to be the fifth rookie offensive lineman in league history to make the Pro Bowl.

Receiver Eddie RoyalRoyal already has broken the club’s single-season record for receiving yards by a rookie and has seven games to go. Royal’s 93-yard touchdown catch against the Browns sparked a comeback and might end up being the biggest play of the Broncos’ season. Royal has 52 catches, 625 yards and four touchdowns. He also had a 95-yard kickoff return, Denver’s longest in 10 years.

Center Kory LichtensteigerLichtensteiger has earned a unique role – he comes in as an eligible receiver on the goal line. He delivered a lead block on Ryan Torain’s 1-yard touchdown run at Cleveland. Lichtensteiger, who has a similar build to veteran center Casey Wiegmann, could be Denver’s starting center in a couple of years.

Cornerback Jack WilliamsWilliams passed Karl Paymah to become the nickel cornerback after three games but has since fallen behind Paymah and fellow rookie Josh Bell. He’s currently contributing on special teams and will get back in the defensive plans once he learns the scheme and refines his technique.

Running back Ryan TorainTorain fell in the draft because of a foot injury, missed three months because of an elbow injury and will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury. He looked good in his first career start Thursday and, if he can bounce back strong, he has a chance to be a major part of the team’s plans.

Defensive tackle Carlton PowellPowell hurt his Achilles’ tendon before training camp. He’s very strong and was a good run-stuffer in college, so he can earn a role next year if he recovers.

Fullback Spencer LarsenLarsen played linebacker in college but started a few games at fullback this season. That’s a testament to his intelligence, and his special-teams hits say something about his toughness.

Safety Josh BarrettBarrett is the only draftee on the practice squad, but he hasn’t been forgotten. He needs time to learn the defense. He could still get on the active roster this season.

Fullback Peyton HillisLast Sunday, Hillis became the first Broncos running back in 34 years to gain 100 receiving yards in a game. Four days later, he filled in at tailback and converted an important fourth-and-1 play.

The undrafted rookiesLinebacker Wesley Woodyard stepped in for captain D.J. Williams and had 10 tackles Thursday. Punter Brett Kern’s 47.1-yard average is seventh in the NFL. Tyler Polumbus is the main backup at both offensive tackle positions. Josh Bell, cut by San Diego, has been the nickel cornerback the past two games. Running back Anthony Alridge looked good in preseason before a foot injury.

Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal caught a pass under the defense of Miami cornerback Andre Goodman for a 1-yard loss during the third quarter Sunday. Photo by CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE