Broncos draft preview: After adding Dre Greenlaw, is ILB still a draft need for Denver?
Editor’s note: Eighth of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previously: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line and edge rushers. Today: inside linebackers.
Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed Dre Greenlaw and re-signed Justin Strnad.
Under contract: Greenlaw (three years), Strnad (one year), Alex Singleton (one year), Drew Sanders (two years), Levelle Bailey (two years), K.J. Cloyd (two years)
Need scale (1-10): 4. Best-case scenario is the Broncos have depth inside this year and beyond. Greenlaw stays healthy and plays like one of the best in the business, Singleton bounces back from ACL surgery and Sanders puts it together in the middle of the field after settling in, at long last, to a supposedly permanent role. Of course, that’s not always the way it goes in the NFL. Still, Denver’s got a nice blend of proven production and developmental projects. The biggest risk at this point: Greenlaw, Singleton and Sanders have all dealt with major injuries. So, is ILB likely to be an early area to target? Not so much. But Denver’s always looking for athleticism and projectability, so a linebacker selection at some point along the way can’t be ruled out.
Top five
Jihaad Campbell, Alabama: A rangy athlete with good cover skills at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Campbell could hear his name called in the first round. Some teams might like him on the edge, but he can be a difference-maker in coverage. Had 117 tackles (11.5 for loss) in 2024. Ran 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine (1.52 10-yard split) and looks like a sideline-to-sideline player.
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA: Burst onto the scene in 2024, his first season as a starter. Went from role player to first-team All-American. He always seems to find his way to the ball, leading to 136 tackles (8.5 for loss) in 12 games for the Bruins.
Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma: Not quite as big as the Broncos’ Drew Sanders, but Stutsman’s not entirely dissimilar at 6-3 and 233 pounds. He ran 4.52 in the 40 at the combine and is a really good athlete. A first-team All-American in 2024 with 110 tackles (eight for loss) at OU.
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon: Started 43 games and appeared in 55 over four seasons for the Ducks, so he’s got major experience. Never put up eye-popping numbers, but that kind of consistency and time on task in a high-quality program will get NFL teams’ attention. Ran 4.63 in the 40 at the combine at 6-1 and 232 pounds.
Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss: Paul’s not very big at a shade under 6-1 and 222 pounds, but he was a consistent producer in the SEC for three seasons. He racked up 26 tackles in that span for Arkansas and then Ole Miss last fall. Could be an interesting mid-round developmental project for a team and a missile on special teams right away.
More Broncos options
Cody Simon, Ohio State: The Broncos are no stranger to Buckeye linebackers and Simon is a good one. He’s 6-2 and 229 pounds and is a sure tackler. The likely Day 3 pick racked up 112 tackles (12.5 for loss) and seven sacks (and seven passes defensed) in 2024 for the national champs.
Smael Mondon, Georgia: Mondon’s athleticism stands out at 6-2 and 224 pounds. He ran 4.58 in the 40 at the combine (1.56 10-yard split). His biggest statistical season for UGA came in 2022.
Jack Kaiser, Notre Dame: A six-year college player, Kaiser played 69 games for the Irish. Broncos coach Sean Payton said it’s hard to find starting linebackers as rookies, so perhaps an experienced player would help smooth out the learning curve.
Eugene Asante, Auburn: Played for now-Broncos ILB coach Jeff Schmedding at Auburn in 2022, though Asante appeared in four games and redshirted that season after transferring. Undersized at 6-1 and 223 pounds, but ran a blazing 4.48 in the 40 at the combine. Younger brother of former NFL linebacker Larry Asante.
Jailin Walker, Indiana: Like Asante, Walker is small. IU listed him at 6-foot and 219. But he can fly (4.40 in the 40 at his pro day). A Broncos 30 visitor who would be a potential option with their final selections in the sixth round or as a free agent after the draft ends.
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