2018 Broncos Season, Linebacker Preview


We're just a few weeks from training camp, and about a month away from pre-season. so now is the time to start looking at this Broncos squad. In a series of pieces I'll be looking at each position group prior to the start of the pre-season. Today I'm looking at the Broncos' best unit, Linebackers.

Players: Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Shane Ray, Shaq Barrett, Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Zaire Anderson, Josey Jewell, Jeff Holland, Keishawn Bierria, Bo Bower, Joe Jones, and Jerrol Garcia-Williams

2018 Outlook: This is the strongest, and potentially deepest, group for the Broncos. This is also really two groups in one. First is the middle guys, who are tacklers and cover people. Marshall and Davis return as starters, and were a solid pair in 2017. And Anderson returns for depth along with rookies Jewell, who has impressed so far, and Bierria. This seems like a solid core. Then there's the outside power rushers. Miller is the heart and soul of the defense, and they've built a deep and impressive group round him. Rookie Chubb was a top pick, and could be a second Miller on the opposite side. Returning Barrett along with Ray and Holland gives them some power and depth. This sets up to be a really great group for the Broncos, and likely one that will again carry the defense.

Key Question: Who makes the team, and what happens with Ray? Ray is nothing but unrealized potential. He's undergone another surgery and is heading into the fourth year of his rookie deal where the Broncos declined his fifth year option. Barrett stands ready to contribute, and Chubb seems like the long-term answer. Then there's undrafted rookie Holland, who could be a real find for the team. So that could leave Ray the odd man out. He's likely to start the season on PUP if nothing else, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Broncos cut their losses, move on, and go with what looks like a promising group. Seeing how Chubb and Holland come along in camp and pre-season could tell the tale.

Prediction: This could be a tough group. I think the Broncos may be tempted to move Ray if they can find a buyer. This is a group where probably nine make the roster, and that will mean some heart-breaking cuts.

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