Denver Broncos top 5 needs in 2020 and where to address them
Need #5: Linebacker
With Todd Davis coming up on a contract year and club option that would cost the Broncos $5 million in base salary and $6 million against the 2020 salary cap, there are questions that need answering at linebacker this offseason.
Alexander Johnson emerged in 2019 as the team’s top all-around playmaker at linebacker, but Davis was a tackling machine and proved his worth as a run defender with a career-high 134 tackles in just 14 games.
Davis’ tackling ability is obviously outstanding, but the Broncos have struggled at the linebacker position since Super Bowl 50 to cover.
Davis has allowed 107 receptions over the last two seasons according to Pro Football Reference at nearly an 80 percent clip. He’s also surrendered five touchdowns in coverage over the last two seasons, including three in 2019.
It’s not like linebackers who can cover like a cornerback grow on trees, but there’s a level of efficiency in that regard that is required in the Vic Fangio defense, and while Davis is a standout as a run defender and tackler, he’s not as effective in coverage as perhaps the Broncos need.
With Josey Jewell’s presence on the roster, the Broncos may be able to afford to let Davis hit the market and declining his option while searching for alternatives in free agency.
I don’t think the Broncos have to limit themselves to any one method of solving this particular need. They could go big with a free agent like Joe Schobert of the Browns or Cory Littleton of the Rams, or they could make a shrewd move and bring back Danny Trevathan of the Bears.
This year’s draft class is not particularly deep at linebacker and the top-end talent isn’t quite there, but there are players in this draft class the Broncos could groom.