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Denver Broncos: Key training camp battle updates

By Chandler Hyler

Jul 28, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) talks with outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during training camp at UCHealth Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) talks with outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during training camp at UCHealth Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Andre Mintze
May 14, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Andre Mintze (91) practices during rookie minicamp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Battles

Pass Rush Depth

Von Miller and Bradley Chubb will both be back in 2021. As long as this terrorizing duo can stay healthy, they will undoubtedly remain the team’s starting unit.

Behind them is Mailk Reed, the third-year undrafted free- agent. Reed was quite the find out of Nevada. Last year he saw an aggregated amount of playing time. When Von Miller went down before the season began, Reed stepped up big time. His 2020 season was not astronomical, but it was productive.

He finished with 8 sacks on the opposite side of Bradley Chubb. Reed played well but is suited more as the rotational guy who spells a Miller or Chubb when they need a breather.

Who is next in line after Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Malik Reed? If you ask Ryan Edwards from KOA Radio & Broncos Country Tonight, he may point you in the direction of undrafted free- agent Andre Mintze. Coming from Vanderbilt, Mintze is a guy who has been flying under the radar.

While the Denver Broncos selected Jonathon Cooper in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft and Derrek Tuszka in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, it seems Mintze may be on the fast track ahead of these guys.

Mintze has had a good camp so far, notching what would be a few sacks already. He has also constantly produced pressure on the quarterbacks in camp. Mintze looks like he has the leg up on the fourth pass-rushing after four days on training camp.

Inside Linebacker

Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson are currently slotted to be the team’s starting inside linebackers in 2021. This is backed by the fact that the team did not address the position via free agency. While they did add hybrid Baron Browning, he is beginning the season on the PUP list. In 2022, we could see an entirely new duo inside with Browning and Justin Strnad, but what about 2021?

Justin Strnad is a name that was brought up for a reason. Dating back to last season’s training camp, the former Demon Deacon has become a popular name in Broncos Country. As a rookie, he showed promise until his season was cut short due to a wrist injury in camp.

On day 4 of training camp, Strnad seemed to validate why he is generating buzz. As incumbent Josey Jewell was sidelined due to an aggravating groin strain, Strnad stepped in beside starter Alexander Johnson.

As he did last year, Strnad showed off his exceptional athleticism and speed. This is something that this unit has been begging for. Understandably so, as the likes of Darren Waller and Travis Kelce are daunting tasks to blanket on the opposition.

J & J (Jewell and Johnson) are still currently this team’s starting unit, but Strnad is hot on their trail. Nevertheless, Strnad could still be used as a third-down linebacker for this team when coverage and speed are needed on the field.

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