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Denver Broncos: 2018 NFL Draft class preseason update

By Cameron Parker

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with defensive back Justin Simmons #31 and defensive back Will Parks #34 after a tackle in the end zone for a first quarter safety against the Chicago Bears during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with defensive back Justin Simmons #31 and defensive back Will Parks #34 after a tackle in the end zone for a first quarter safety against the Chicago Bears during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 27: Tight end Cethan Carter #11 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs past linebacker Josey Jewell #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyesat Memorial Stadium November 27, 2015 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)

Josey Jewell, LB

The Denver Broncos were searching for linebacker depth in the 2018 draft and chose potentially the best of the bunch in Josey Jewell.

Jewell was the 2017 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Think about this for a second. Denzel Ward was drafted fourth overall (Browns) from the same conference and Jewell was a fourth round draft pick of the Broncos. When you turn the tape on for Jewell you see a solid football player. He is not gifted athletically compared to some other linebackers, but his knack for diagnosing plays is special.

This is a testament to Jewell’s instincts at linebacker. He is always one step ahead of nearly every player on offense. The Denver Broncos caught a glimpse of this against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jewell destroyed the Vikings’ running back with Shelby Harris by his side.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jewell is tremendous in run defense. His 16.7 percent run stop percentage ranks fifth among all linebackers with at least 20 run defense snaps.

In one of the preseason games, color commentator of the local broadcast and former Broncos quarterback Brian Griese stated defensive coordinator Joe Woods sees Jewell as a “beast”.

If Jewell keeps this up, he might steal a starting job from Todd Davis or Brandon Marshall.

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