Broncos LBer Anderson Has Starting Job In Sights

If some may recall, one year ago today, Zaire Anderson made a name for himself during the 2015-2016 preseason. Anderson has done the same and searching for more than a backup role on the Broncos.

In his time at the University of Nebraska, Anderson spent time as a safety under head coach Bo Pelini, but is a true linebacker in every sense of the word. Pelini was an aggressive blitzing defensive minded coach whose tantrums caught up with him, while at Nebraska. Anderson would later transition to linebacker his senior year proving his wroth as a versatile defender at the next level. Fast forward to this season, Anderson is working with the same hard-hitting, but more controlled coach in Wade Phillips.

Anderson is reaping the benefits of playing in Phillips’ scheme playing linebacker, already forcing two fumbles in the preseason. Nicknamed “Bam Bam” in college Anderson provided big hit after big hit in camp and games. It is that type of tackles, that caught the eye of Gary Kubiak and Phillips. Both said this month, Anderson is one of a few players who have taken the next step from year one to year two.

With Danny Trevathan now in Chicago, the clear cut favorite for the position is Todd Davis who saw time on the field as the backup to Trevathan. The unfortunate injury of Corey Nelson has placed Anderson in Nelson’s spot and because Anderson has taken a tremendous leap from year-to-year, the Broncos could have a long talk to determine if Anderson should start at linebacker.

The coverage and run stopping nature of Davis gives him the nod over Anderson, but the thumping power on hits could be possible game changers. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a recent history of game changers at linebacker with LaVonte David. Anderson has a long way to reach David’s level, but the instincts at the linebacker spot could be what the Phillips’ needs to have this defense reach even more epic proportions. Because Anderson played some safety in college, he could provide a better option at the linebacker position both in the now and the future of this defense.

Anderson appears to be a lock for the 53-man roster this year, but he is shooting himself out of a cannon for the starting job and might very well take it by the end of the year. Once he grasps the knowledge of the defense, the starting spot at linebacker for Anderson becomes clearer forcing the Broncos to make a very difficult decision.