Denver Broncos: Players with the most at stake in preseason finale

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Running back Royce Freeman #37 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with quarterback Paxton Lynch #12 after a second quarter touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 01: Teammate Derek Barnett #9 and A.J. Johnson #45 of the Tennessee Volunteers wait for a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 1, 2014 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Alexander Johnson, LB

At this point in time, it wouldn’t shock me at all to see the Broncos keep just three traditional off-ball linebackers on the 53-man roster. It would be a bit of a risk, sure, but it wouldn’t be out of the question considering how much time the team spends in its base defense, and how many solid safeties they currently have.

With that said, Alexander Johnson has a chance to force the Broncos’ hand here.

Johnson has made two big splash plays on special teams in his first two games with the team, and is likely to receive his most extensive work as a linebacker in this game.

What if Johnson plays great? What if he’s making a bunch of tackles for loss and getting after the quarterback all game?

If he shows out in just his third game back in organized football in four years, the Broncos may have no choice but to hang onto him for the long haul.

He will be wearing a new but familiar number (45) for this game. He needs to have a strong performance to earn his place on the 53-man roster.

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