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Denver Broncos: One sleeper player for each defensive position in 2021

By Travis Wakeman

Jul 28, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos defensive back Mac McCain III (49) during training camp at UCHealth Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos defensive back Mac McCain III (49) during training camp at UCHealth Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Strnad, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos LB Justin Strnad #40. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker: Justin Strnad

Another member of last year’s draft class, Strnad is forgotten by many because he missed his entire rookie season with an injury. But with Baron Browning on the PUP list, he has a chance to stand out in camp and the preseason.

The Broncos have Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell penciled in as the starting linebackers on the inside, but from a coverage standpoint, the team could use a better overall effort from what we have seen. That was part of the idea in drafting Strnad in the first place.

Strnad should get a chance to come in on passing downs and spell Jewell. If he can show that he can keep up with tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield, he could take a serious chunk of Jewell’s snaps in 2021.

What if Strnad is the guy who can finally help slow Travis Kelce down? That’s a lot to ask from a guy who has yet to play in the NFL, but someday, the Broncos have to find this player. If Strnad could be that guy or Browning for that matter, the team could greatly improve its odds of finally ending its long losing streak against the Chiefs.

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