Denver Broncos: 5 early needs for the 2021 NFL Draft

1. Inside linebacker

This might be somewhat of a controversial take, but there are a number of things to consider here.

The inside linebacker class in the 2021 NFL Draft is absolutely loaded. The Denver Broncos could use any of their top three picks on this position and probably find a starting-caliber player.

Alexander Johnson is a restricted free agent in 2021, so obviously, he will be back for a fourth season with the Broncos.

Josey Jewell took Todd Davis’ job in Denver and has done a solid job as the primary starter next to Johnson this season after Johnson took Jewell’s job in 2019.

Considering the division the Denver Broncos play in with so many good quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, and tight ends, coverage from the linebacker position is crucial. Johnson and Jewell are not coverage specialists, by any means, but both are physical players who can attack the line of scrimmage.

The Broncos had high hopes for 2020 fifth-round pick Justin Strnad, who went on IR early in training camp with a wrist injury.

Assuming the top three on paper for 2021 are Johnson, Jewell, and Strnad, will the Broncos look at linebackers in round one or two in 2021? Will they look to free agency where some good players could also be available?

Nothing is off the table, but getting strong coverage from the linebacker position will be critical.

The Broncos nearly selected Devin Bush in 2019 and tried to trade up for Patrick Queen in 2020. That gives you an indication of the type of player they are seeking at this position. They want someone with speed, instincts, toughness, and playmaking ability in coverage.

Those types of players are not easy to come by, but there are a variety of them available in the 2021 NFL Draft class. For that reason, the Broncos could prioritize inside linebacker and upgrade with someone who could be a core piece for years to come.