Denver Broncos Road To 53: Linebackers
Sep 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Steven Johnson (53) holds up the football while next to tight end Jacob Tamme (84) after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
45. <p>Height: 6-1</p> <p>Weight: 237</p> <p>The Broncos signed Steven Johnson as a UDFA in 2012. He managed to make the roster for his special teams play. In his first two seasons Johnson has piled up 17 special teams stops. He has rarely played on defense, only 12 snaps during the 2013 season, but when he does see those snaps he does well. He is one of the Broncos better special teams players and will make the roster again for his special teams play.</p>. Backup Linebacker. Denver Broncos. Steven Johnson. 53. player
Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Andre Ellington (23) runs the ball past LSU Tigers linebacker Lamin Barrow (57) in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
45. <p>Height: 6-1</p> <p>Weight: 229</p> <p>The rookie drafted in the fifth round has shown a lot of promise in offseason activities. Some reports are that he will even push Irving for the starting “Mike” LB spot. While I don’t see him doing that, yet, I can see him working his way onto the field in sub packages. I wouldn’t be surprised at all in the Broncos break Barrow in to the defense similarly to how they did with Trevathan. He, obviously, makes the roster as a sub package player.</p>. Backup Linebacker. Denver Broncos. Lamin Barrow. 57. player
Nov 23, 2013; Logan, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Darell Garretson (6) avoids Colorado State Rams linebacker Shaquil Barrett (56) during the third quarter at Romney Stadium. Utah State Aggies won 13-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Backup Linebacker. Denver Broncos. Shaquil Barrett. 48. player. 45. <p>Height: 6-1</p> <p>Weight: 260</p> <p>With the possibility of the Broncos having Von Miller on the PUP list, they need someone to back up McCray. Undrafted Shaquil Barrett would be a nice fit in that spot. Barrett also can put his hand in the dirt and play DE if needed, adding versatility to the defense. Barrett has some work to do in pass coverage, but he won’t be asked to drop back into coverage often. As a pass rusher his job is to get after the quarterback. When Miller is healthy, Barrett can make an impact on special teams. Either way, there is something that the coaching staff can do with Barrett. The versatility and options he brings lands him on the 53 man roster as the seventh and final LB.</p>
With the concerns that the Broncos have, they surprisingly have a good group of options. Once you get past the top four or five LBs, its wide open. It is a long ways way still and anything can happen. But, right now this is how I have the linebackers looking on the 53 man roster.
What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below.