Denver Broncos: Way too early 2021 roster predictions
By Noah Smith
Linebacker
The Broncos choose to roll with their young players at linebacker, including second-year player Justin Strnad who missed his entire rookie season with a broken wrist. Strnad was viewed highly by the coaching staff throughout training camp and even saw time with the starters. Strnad will elevate the unit as an off-ball linebacker with true coverage skills and will bring a new facet to the unit.
Joe Jones makes the roster due to his special teams ability, with Austin Calitro being stored on the practice squad. Both are capable of playing in a pinch, with special teams experience and prowess to go along with spot duty.
Cornerback
In his first season with the Broncos, A.J. Bouye struggled with injury, and his play was up-and-down when on the field. The suspension for performance-enhancing drugs may have been the final nail in the coffin for Bouye, and in this prediction I have the Broncos moving on from Bouye to save nearly $13 Million, per Overthecap.
While Bryce Callahan finished the 2020 Season on injured reserve, he is expected back to start training camp of the 2021 Season. The Broncos show confidence in Michael Ojemudia, and allow him to be a starter at boundary cornerback to start the season.
To replace Bouye, the Broncos look to the draft and take Caleb Farley with the 9th overall pick. Farley has excellent size and instincts and is a plug-and-play player on the boundary. Farley’s physical gifts and athleticism give him untapped potential in Vic Fangio’s system.
Behind the trio of starters, Essang Bassey looks to build on a promising rookie season. Bassey will man the slot across from Bryce Callahan in “Dime” packages, along with Duke Dawson who provides cornerback/safety versatility.
Parnell Motley hangs around on the practice squad for a second stint after a promising end to the 2020 season. Motley has the size and physicality that Vic Fangio loves in his corners and is a developmental player for Fangio to mold into a contributor.