Denver Broncos: 5 linebackers to consider with Josey Jewell injury

Denver Broncos: 5 LB options with Josey Jewell injured

1. Benardrick McKinney

A second-round pick out of Mississippi State in the 2015 NFL Draft, Benardrick McKinney developed into a pretty good player for the Houston Texans before he was dumped in their massive 2021 overhaul.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl in the 2018 season but has regressed a bit since then, which is why he doesn’t have a team right now.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1371131758616453120

At 6-foot-4, 257 pounds, McKinney has been very solid against the run throughout his career and at this point, that’s his calling card.

He showed early on that he could be really effective when asked to rush the passer as well, and the combination of him and Alexander Johnson in the middle of the defense with their outstanding size would be physically imposing if nothing else.

McKinney was one of the most explosive athletes in the 2015 NFL Draft class at the linebacker position with a 40.5-inch vertical jump.

He would be an intriguing in-season addition, especially in the wake of Josey Jewell’s injury.