Denver Broncos: 5 players trending up early at 2021 training camp

5. Justin Strnad, LB

With Josey Jewell nursing a groin injury as well as talented rookie Baron Browning still on the PUP list, the opportunity could not be more right in front of second-year linebacker Justin Strnad.

Strnad was a player the Denver Broncos had some high hopes for as a fifth-round pick in 2020, but he suffered a season-ending wrist injury and wasn’t able to get on the field.

To illustrate the team’s clear intent to give a big role to Strnad as a rookie, look no further than the immediate action they took to sign Mark Barron after Strnad’s injury.

Barron also missed the entire season due to injury, causing Vic Fangio to keep Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson in the lineup for base and nickel, something he perhaps hadn’t intended on initially doing.

Now, Strnad has had the opportunity to work almost exclusively with the top defense as Jewell works his way back from the groin injury.

An intriguing three-down player with not only excellent success at the college level in coverage but also as a pass rusher, Strnad has had a solid training camp and is showing that he belongs with that top unit.

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Even if Jewell comes back to full strength, there should be a role for Strnad with the top defense, whether it’s in the nickel or otherwise.