The Denver Broncos already have the best pass rush in the NFL, setting a franchise record in sacks in back-to-back seasons. And that pass rush has gotten even better in 2026.
One of the top stories of training camp so far has been the play of third-year outside linebacker Jonah Elliss, who was previously slated for a possible position change this offseason. But Sean Payton said that Elliss was too good off the edge to change his position, and he's responded with an outstanding offseason.
Because of the play of Elliss throughout training camp, it's understandable that another training camp standout at the same position has not exactly been getting a ton of publicity. No, we're not talking about second-year player Que Robinson, but another member of the Broncos' rookie class of 2025, and someone who missed all of last season due to injury: Johnny Walker Jr.
Broncos pass rusher Johnny Walker Jr. is consistently standing out at training camp
A year ago, Johnny Walker was the Broncos' highest-priced undrafted free agent pickup. In his final two seasons at Missouri, he really had a nice breakout in terms of his overall production, racking up 14.5 sacks from 2023-24, including 9.5 sacks in his final year on campus. He also added a total of 6 forced fumbles during that timeframe, along with 22 tackles for loss.
His production wasn't met with much fanfare for the NFL Draft. He didn't test overly well in the pre-draft process, so the evaluation on him was almost completely reliant upon film and projection of fit within the Broncos' scheme.
And who identifies pass rush talent better than this team?
Walker has had an outstanding camp, routinely breaking through the line of scrimmage and winning pass rush reps.
My sources out at Broncos training camp have noticed Walker at a variety of different practices, showcasing his natural ability to get to the quarterback, and doing it consistently.
Walker is going to be one of the more interesting players to watch during the NFL preseason, because he might be competing for a roster spot with the likes of former 3rd-round pick Drew Sanders, who has also quietly had a really nice training camp.
How the Broncos approach building the roster with their group of edge rushers will be fascinating. The legal situation with Jonathon Cooper complicates things at least a little bit, while star pass rusher Nik Bonitto has also missed some time in camp after an injury scare (though he's been back and practicing in full already).
Another injury situation throughout camp that hasn't drawn a ton of attention is with Dondrea Tillman, one of the team's top reserves off the edge. He's been doing a lot of work on the side field throughout camp with a hamstring issue, though it doesn't appear to be anything to be overly worried about.
With all of that in mind, it's important to consider the short- and long-term future when it comes to a player like Walker. If he shows undeniable potential in camp and in the preseason, the Broncos might have no choice but to make a difficult move to let someone else go, or possibly keep six guys off the edge.
For a team going for the NFL all-time record of 72 sacks in a season, every player in that rotation makes a difference.
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