Denver Broncos: 4 storylines to follow closely vs. Cardinals
By Andrew Wade
What young guy steps up at Middle Linebacker?
Behind Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall, there is quite a battle brewing. One of the few weak spots on a stout defense, Denver invested two draft picks this year in middle linebackers bringing in former Iowa captain Josey Jewell and Washington’s Keishawn Bierria.
They then doubled down with a surprising curveball by signing former Tennessee linebacker Alexander Johnson.
These three guys are battling Zaire Anderson and Joe Jones for likely two remaining spots on the depth chart.
Josey Jewell is all but guaranteed a roster spot based on draft status. His play, however, has been fantastic. Despite a few inconsistencies in coverage and difficulties getting off blocks, Jewell has been showing the instincts and intelligence that led him to become a three-time captain and All-American linebacker at Iowa.
Furthermore, the coaching staff and the veteran players love him.
Jewell currently leads the team in tackles throughout the preseason with 16 combined tackles. This is six more than the next closest Bronco, Dymonte Thomas.
Bierria, meanwhile, has been struggling to overtake veteran Zaire Anderson’s spot on the roster. In limited playing time, Bierria has managed just three combined tackles. Unfortunately for Bierria, it’s an uphill battle as Anderson has played in each game the last two years on the active roster and has performed well in a reserve role.
Second-year player Joe Jones has only been able to accumulate one tackle this preseason and is likely not making this team.
Alexander Johnson is the wildcard of this group.
A standout linebacker at Tennessee, Johnson hasn’t played in a few years as he was dealing with legal troubles that he has been cleared of. Although he hasn’t played a ton, the Broncos may have a tough time letting him go after giving him the highest undrafted free agent signing bonus in the Elway era.
If Johnson were to be released, it’s unlikely Denver could stash him on the practice squad like they would like to. There was significant competition for his services, but has he done enough to justify taking a roster spot from a player who has been with Denver the entire offseason?
Next. Broncos players rising and falling. dark
Regardless of what shakes out Thursday night, these answers will finally be addressed over the next two weeks as roster cuts occur and official regular season depth charts are released. Before that, however, we get to watch the Denver Broncos take on the Cardinals in Phoenix for one last tune-up.