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NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Top Positions To Address

By Cameron Parker

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Linebacker

Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith /

Speaking of the 2015 Super Bowl team, the Denver Broncos had a dynamic duo at linebacker. However, there was one problem with that year: There were no continued seasons with both Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall.

The franchise has to find a duo that will be ready to make an impact for many years to come. Despite re-signing Todd Davis, the Broncos appear to make linebacker an early priority in the NFL Draft. The good news is, the linebacker position is as deep as it has been in a long time.

1). Roquan Smith – There’s no player at linebacker as effective as Roquan Smith. Smith is a blend of old school and new school. He can play physical at the initial contact and runs sideline to sideline as well as anyone right now in the NFL. If Denver decides to trade back, Smith and Hernandez might be targets.

2). Leighton Vander Esch – Vander Esch is arguably the most instinctive linebacker in the NFL Draft. Vander Esch plays with his hair on fire nearly every play, but due to a neck issue he might fall past the first round. However, he is a first round linebacker on tape. His instincts are nearly unmatched. It is certainly understandable why some consider him as a first round talent. If he is magically there with pick 40 in the second round, the Broncos should take him.

3). Josey Jewell – The best part about Iowa is how well their players are coached. Jewell is as sound as any inside linebacker in this class. There’s not anything Jewell doesn’t do well. He’s a underrated athlete and the ultimate locker room leader. His leadership would be a great match for that Denver locker room.

4). Fred Warner – Warner is a tweener. Listed at 236 pounds, Warner can play safety, but would need to add plenty of strength to go linebacker. He also fits that versatility model sought after by John Elway.

5). Christian Sam – A later round value pick that can develop into a dynamic player. Sam has great instincts, but is too inconsistent and loses sight of his man a good deal. However, that can be changed with proper coaching. Sam is definitely on my radar as a day two or three pick. Preferably day three.

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