Broncos have options at inside linebacker despite injuries

The Denver Broncos have options at inside linebacker

The Broncos have been stricken with injuries at the inside linebacker position, and depth has certainly been depleted.

Incumbent starter Todd Davis may miss games with a calf injury and rookie cover specialist Justin Strnad is out for the season after a wrist injury.

Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell would not be a hopeless pair of starters in fact they could be a good duo, but regardless a lack of depth and competition is a concern.

As reported by Sayre Bedinger here at Predominantly orange and Vic Fangio confirmed in his presser that the Broncos will again try Justin Hollins off the ball. I think his size and athleticism could prove handy if he can develop the skillset.

That said, I find myself looking for more competition at the position. So I’ve looked outward to Spotrac’s list of available ILB. That list includes names like Alec Ogletree,  Mark Barron, Darron Lee (my pick) along with former Broncos Corey Nelson and Wesley Woodyard.

I would like to see the Darron Lee pickup. The former first-round pick has had an up and down career so far, but has shown flashes of his draft pedigree. He followed a strong third year with a frustrating year in KC where he fell out of the rotation.

However, on a team with experienced Josey Jewell stepping into the starting role until if/and when Todd Davis gets healthy, Lee could serve as a depth player or he could shine and force a larger role. If he realizes his potential ceiling and justifies his draft position he could be a major asset to the Broncos especially in covering AFC West tight ends.

The addition of an inside linebacker seems likely to me prior to the start of the season so for now, Denver has to get the guys in camp prepared for the season, but there are options out there to fill the void left by injuries.

Whether the brass prefers to bring in a veteran to potentially start or a special teams ace and depth player remains to be seen.