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Justin Strnad was a 2020 NFL Draft gem for the Broncos

By Sayre Bedinger

WINSTON SALEM, NC - AUGUST 31: Linebacker Justin Strnad #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tackles running back Mark Robinson #32 of the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the football game at BB&T Field on August 31, 2017 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NC - AUGUST 31: Linebacker Justin Strnad #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons tackles running back Mark Robinson #32 of the Presbyterian Blue Hose during the football game at BB&T Field on August 31, 2017 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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Justin Strnad is a 2020 NFL Draft gem for the Denver Broncos.

The Denver Broncos found themselves a gem in the 2020 NFL Draft with Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad.

I have been a fan of Strnad’s throughout the 2020 NFL Draft process, and going back through his tape in February, he stood out as a potential Fred Warner-type of linebacker in the NFL.

Although this is a bit self-serving, I have had Strnad as one of my guys throughout this draft process.

Those receipts are important so you know that what I’m going to say is not just hyperbole or me pumping up a guy who now plays for the Denver Broncos. Strnad missed time this past season with a triceps injury, but he’s fully recovered and ready to contribute in his rookie season with Denver.

Because of the presence of Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson right now, it’s reasonable to assume that Strnad will likely make his presence felt as a rookie on special teams, but that doesn’t mean he won’t win some snaps at linebacker eventually or in case of injury.

Strnad is the all-around linebacker we’ve been seeking

Over the course of his time at Wake Forest, Strnad had 244 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles.

He was all over the field for the Demon Deacons and proved he can be an every-down linebacker in the pros with his natural instincts, a good feel for different coverages, and great closing burst on the ball carrier.

As a converted high school defensive back, Strnad has a really good feel for playing in space and he’s built up the bulk and strength to be physical in the box as a run defender.

He finished off a thrilling game against Packers first-round pick Jordan Love and Utah State with an interception on a potential game-winning drive early in the 2019 season before his injury.

To put the cherry on top of this selection, Strnad was a team captain for Wake Forest, something the Broncos have really valued in recent years and a quality that has provided an excellent foundation of players in Denver.

Strnad just has a really good all-around feel for the game. He’s a weapon on third downs both in coverage and as a blitzer, and he plays with intensity on every snap.

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The Broncos managed to get him in the fifth round, but if he had played his entire senior season, he might have priced himself well out of that range.

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