Denver Broncos mailbag: Is this a make or break year for Vic Fangio?

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Denver Broncos fans gather as the team warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Denver Broncos fans gather as the team warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Justin Strnad, Denver Broncos
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 29: Linebacker Justin Strnad of Wake Forest runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Do you think Justin Strnad can crack the starting lineup?

— Jolene from Grand Junction, CO

Justin Strnad is listed as an inside linebacker for the Broncos and the team already has the velociraptor himself: Alexander Johnson. They also have Todd Davis at inside linebacker.

Both of these guys bring some important things to Vic Fangio’s defense. Davis led the team in tackles with 134, while Johnson tied with Justin Simmons for second with 93.

Strnad is going to need time to develop, and with the emergence of Davis and Johnson, having the rookie play immediately just doesn’t look like it’s in the cards.

Davis will be an unrestricted free agent come the 2021 free agency period, so Strnad could potentially become a starter.

It would have been very helpful to see what Strnad can do during training camp. There is always that possibility of a rookie impressing more than expected. Could Strnad have beaten out Todd Davis? I really do not know that answer, but we should expect to see the rookie get some snaps in certain packages as a rookie.