What Position Should the Broncos Address in Round One of the NFL Draft?

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) lines up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Middle Linebacker

Since the days of Al Wilson, middle linebacker has been a revolving door for the Broncos. This season, it was Nate Irving’s turn to have fun on the merry-go-round and he was quickly spun off due to a severely sprained MCL that ended his promising year. Through free agency, Irving is now an Indianapolis Colt and the search for a capable linebacker to man the middle of the defense begins once again.

Denver has enough options at their disposal with their switch to a 3-4. Brandon Marshall is projected to slide into the middle with Danny Trevathan, while DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller reign terror on opposing offenses from the outside.

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Lamin Barrow is someone to keep an eye on this offseason. He’s a real thumper and is reliable on coverage downs, which could make him a real player to see more of the field in what will be his second season in the league.

Besides Barrow, there aren’t many guys on the roster that can be deemed dependable. In the draft, the Broncos have a couple different choices to choose from. Brother of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Mychal, Eric Kendricks isn’t the perfect fit for the 3-4, but he has the size and capacity to adapt. While at UCLA, Kendricks showcased the sideline to sideline speed and skills in coverage that have many believing he can be a three-down linebacker in whatever defense he’s put in.

Miami’s (FL) Denzel Perryman has the body type (5’10, 242 lbs.) that lends himself to the 3-4. He doesn’t have the great all-around athleticism of Kendricks and isn’t as versatile, but is a sleeper for the Broncos that they can develop into a mainstay at linebacker.

Like defensive tackle, middle linebacker isn’t a position that the Broncos necessarily need to address in the first round. Again, though, players like Eric Kendricks are tough to overlook.