Predominantly Orange
FanSided

How the Denver Broncos identify athletes for every position

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates along with Shelby Harris #96 after a sack against the New York Jets in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos celebrates along with Shelby Harris #96 after a sack against the New York Jets in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 10
Next
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

EDGE (8) — Von Miller, Shane Ray, Shaquil Barrett, Bradley Chubb, Deiontrez Mount, Marcus Rush, Stansly Maponga, Jeff Holland
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 253
10: 1.64
Bench: 24
Vert: 33
3-cone: 7.1

There was some interesting variation at the outside linebacker position for the Broncos, but this position is loaded with guys who have a great get-off (1.64 10-yard split for eight players is very good).

That said, the Broncos have a unique blend at this position of players with size or players with speed and quickness, but rarely with both.

For example, Shaquil Barrett posted sub-par athletic numbers but is listed as one of the team’s ‘smaller’ edge rushers. Deiontrez Mount is one of the biggest players at this position, but is freakishly athletic for his size.

Bradley Chubb is obviously the prime example of size and athleticism, but his abilities are very rare. Von Miller doesn’t have the same type of size, but his size is always what it needs to be and not only is Miller very athletic, he’s exceptionally strong for his size.

OBLB (7) —Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Josey Jewell, Keishawn Bierria, Zaire Anderson, Jerrol Garcia-Williams, Joseph Jones
Ht: 6-0.5
Wt: 234
40: 4.75
Vert: 34
Bench: 22
20-yard shuttle: 4.30

The Broncos have a pretty consistent profile at the linebacker position, with guys ranging between 6-feet tall and around 6-foot-2, and a very consistent physical makeup.

There are some variations here in the weight or straight-line speed department, but the Broncos have identified a ‘type’ here similar to what they did at the tight end position.

Joseph Jones is the most athletic player on the team at this position and helps bring the team’s overall 40-time down with his blazing 4.50. The Broncos have a number of players who have really good quickness at this position in a short area, which is great for the inside linebacker position since they are asked to read plays and change direction so often.

They also have very strong numbers with eight players and an average vertical jump of 34-inches, and bench press reps at 22.

This linebacker group is built for stopping the run.

Home/Broncos News