Denver Broncos Depth Chart Analysis: Lamin Barrow Listed as #2 Middle Linebacker

Oct 12, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Lamin Barrow (18) tackles Florida Gators running back Mack Brown (33) during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos’ initial depth chart has been released, and one of the most interesting players we’ve been keeping an eye on is middle linebacker Lamin Barrow, the team’s fifth round draft choice in 2014.

Barrow was a starter for the LSU defense and their leading tackler over the last couple of years, and was a player that had John Fox pacing around the draft room as the Broncos awaited their turn to pick.

After trading down, the wait for Barrow got even more intense, but the Broncos landed the guy they wanted, and he’s been having such a strong camp that he’s opening as the second string middle linebacker right behind Nate Irving.

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio mentioned last week how much Barrow has improved since training camp opened up noting that he doesn’t even look like the same player out there.

The emergence of Barrow this offseason has pushed Steven Johnson, a former UDFA standout out of Kansas, to third on the depth chart at inside linebacker. The Broncos set out to improve that position this year through their own home grown players, and Barrow is a big part of that despite being a mid-round pick.

The Broncos have had a lot of success in recent years with later round picks making earlier impacts than expected. Danny Trevathan, a fellow linebacker, emerged last year as arguably the team’s best overall at the position as the leading tackler. He was a sixth round pick in 2012.

This initial depth chart is good news for Barrow, but he’s going to have to work to make his way into the starting lineup.