Editor’s note: Eighth in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, inside linebackers. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, and outside linebacker.
On the roster (6): Levelle Bailey, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, Alex Singleton, Andre Smith, Justin Strnad.
How many on the 53? 3-4.
Most impactful offseason move: Letting Josey Jewell walk in free agency.
Jewell spent the first six years of his NFL career in Denver and cashed in with a nice deal in free agency from Carolina. The Broncos didn’t make a push to bring him back and appeared comfortable knowing he’d leave. They didn’t draft anybody at the position, and their lone outside free-agency move was a one-year deal with Barton. They could have tried second-year man Drew Sanders back in the middle of the field after playing him both inside and outside as a rookie, but he’s out until at least the middle of the season with a torn Achilles tendon suffered in offseason training earlier this spring.
Biggest question to answer in camp: Can the existing players behind Alex Singleton fill the necessary roles?
Singleton is the clear leader of the room and an emerging central figure on Vance Joseph’s defense. He’ll wear the “green dot” helmet with the earpiece and relay Joseph’s calls to the players on the field. Jewell wasn’t a perfect player, but the Broncos did leave him on the field for more than just run downs. He played 75% of defensive snaps in his 16 games. There’s unlikely to be a player who matches that next to Singleton this fall unless Griffith returns to fully healthy, difference-making form. In fact, it remains to be seen whether Denver has everything it needs at the position, and it’s probably worth noting that the most significant personnel move the team made during the offseason program was to sign veteran Andre Smith.
Battle to watch: Griffith vs. Barton
The two aren’t necessarily competing head to head, considering they’re suited to do different things, but one is likely to start next to Singleton in the base defense. Griffith is much bigger at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, and if he can show some ability in coverage — and if he can stay on the field after missing half of 2022 and all of ’23 to foot and knee injuries — he could play a sizeable role in the defense. Barton can play in coverage and blitz but has to show he can hold up against the run. Perhaps when the season gets going they will each fit a role and play somewhat even splits, but one or the other could also wrestle away a bigger chunk of the snaps over the course of August work.
Under the radar player: Bailey
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It’s always worth noting when head coach Sean Payton brings up a player without prompting, and he did so with Bailey, the undrafted rookie out of Fresno State, late in the offseason program. Bailey has $125,000 guaranteed, which means if nothing else he’s a pretty safe bet for the practice squad. But given the potentially piecemeal arrangement after Singleton, the rookie is going to get a chance to show he can play and could push for a roster spot if he puts together a good performance in camp. Worth noting: Smith and Strnad are both accomplished special teamers, so Bailey will have to be a plus player there in order to make the 53-man roster.
Thursday: Cornerbacks.
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