Denver Broncos: 53-man roster projection ahead of second preseason game

Linebacker (9): Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell, Justin Strnad, Baron Browning, Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, Jonathon Cooper, Derrek Tuszka

Inside linebacker

Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell will be the team’s starters, but Justin Strnad will be breathing down their necks for playing time all season. He has bounced back from missing his entire rookie season and looks like he could be the versatile, athletic inside linebacker the team has been longing for.

Baron Browning has returned from the PUP list and though he’ll need to work to get back up to speed, he will obviously make this team. Depending on how fast he can be used will likely determine whether or not the team keeps a guy like Josh Watson.

Both Barrington Wade and Curtis Robinson have a chance to be on the practice squad and at least one of them should.

Outside linebacker

The Broncos have what is perhaps the best combination of edge-rushing linebackers in football with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Malik Reed is no slouch either. Sixth-round draft pick Jonathon Cooper has had a tremendous camp.

Derrek Tuszka, a seventh-round draft pick a year ago, gets the slightest of edges here over undrafted free agent Andre Mintze, though Mintze could easily end up taking this spot with another strong preseason performance.

The team could also decide to waive them both in favor of keeping another defensive back.