DENVER (AP) _ The first-round draft choice of the Denver Broncos, linebacker Al Wilson, is picking up the team's defense quickly, and he's already been assigned to the first team in goal-line defense situations.

	Al Wilson goes from national champion Tennessee to the defending Super Bowl champions.

"He has impressed a lot of people," coach Mike Shanahan told the Denver Rocky Mountain News as his team prepared for the American Bowl game Saturday night, Denver time, against the San Diego Chargers in Sydney, Australia.

"We've only gone live a few times in goal-line situations, but he's been impressive with his agility and his quickness and striking power. Hopefully, it will carry over to the game. I expect it will," Shanahan said.

Veteran linebacker Bill Romanowski believes that Wilson has the potential to go far in the NFL.

"I think he's doing a great job," Romanowski said. "He's got the ability to put a big hit on somebody. He's been popping people in camp. He gets people fired up.

"And he's a smart guy who knows where he needs to be. He's just going to get better and better," Romanowski said.

Wilson already is pushing starting middle linebacker Glenn Cadrez to keep improving.

But for now, he's enjoying his opportunities, and the goal-line formation.

"When I get out there with them, I know I've got to step up my game and play at their level," he said. "I'm trying to go out there and show them I can play football. They tell me I'm doing all right. But I'm never satisfied unless I make myself happy _ that's going out playing mistake-free and having fun."