2024 Broncos' Season, Linebackers

 


Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I continue with a look at the linebackers.

On the Roster: Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Eliss, Drew Sanders, Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Justin Strnad, Jonas Griffith, Jaylon Allen, Levelle Bailey, Thomas Incoom, Alex Mock, Ronnie Perkins, and Durell Nchami

About: This is an interesting position. With Sanders' injury, it's clear he'll miss the season. That hurts the Broncos' depth, but likely creates an opening for what is now a deep roster position. When you talk about linebackers, too, there are two modes. The team plays a 3-4, meaning four linebackers on the field. In fact, usually the two outside linebackers are the pass rushing force. So, players are competing as pass rushers and as traditional linebackers in the middle.

I suspect this will be one of the biggest groups retained on the roster, too. That comes as players are filling specific roles and as they are contributing in other areas, like Special Teams. So, let's start with the known quantities. Browning and Cooper figure to start on the outside, with Singleton as the best in the middle. Those three are locks on the roster. Beyond that, I think Bonitto and the rookie Eliss are likely penciled in as depth on the outside.

The bigger question is what the Broncos are doing in the middle. Sanders is out, though he seemingly was moving to the outside. Josey Jewell is in Carolina and the team hasn't made any major moves. My suspicion is that Barton gets the first shot. I think we'll also see Strnad and Griffith in the mix in the middle too. I think all three will likely make the squad, which leaves the position with eight likely on the roster. So, how many do the Broncos keep?

I think at least nine will make it, possibly 10. That leaves a lot of guys competing for an open spot, though some may make the practice squad. Ones to watch will be Incoom, Perkins, Allen, and Mock. Likely camp and pre-season will tell the tale of those that make the final roster, especially on Special Teams.

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