Denver Broncos: Linebacker position preview and 2018 outlook

Todd Davis, age 26

After the Broncos lost former third-round pick Nate Irving — part of John Elway’s first draft class with the team — they poached a relatively unknown undrafted player out of Sacramento State from the New Orleans Saints named Todd Davis.

Davis came to the Broncos and quickly earned a role in their defense, playing nearly 13 percent of the overall snaps despite having a major role in just three games. He played 100 percent of the snaps in the team’s season finale against the Raiders that year and played a very similar role in the 2015 Super Bowl season.

Since he became a full-time starter with the Broncos, Davis has established himself as a very good early-down linebacker who struggles some in coverage.

Still only 26, most of Broncos Country assumed Davis would receive offers in free agency outside of the Broncos’ price range.

To everyone’s surprise, he signed a three-year, $15 million deal to return to Denver, a very team-friendly deal.

Davis finished with 82 tackles in 14 games last season and could have a slightly reduced role in 2018 with some of the depth the Broncos have added.