The Denver Broncos are making waves with their recent trade moves, sending their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to bring in wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. But before this big acquisition, they had their eyes on Georgia inside linebacker CJ Allen as a potential fit for their No. 30 slot.
Now, with their first pick at No. 62, Allen is likely off the board.
Fortunately for the Broncos, this year's inside linebacker class is loaded with talent. They've already met with several prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine, and as Mel Kiper Jr. points out, there's a lot to consider.
"If you look into that later portion off-ball wise," Kiper explains, "guys like Josiah Trotter from Missouri, Bryce Boettcher from Oregon, and Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State are very active and athletic with great range."
Kiper also highlights Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech, who might land in the third round, and Jake Golday from Cincinnati, who could be a late first or second-round pick. Meanwhile, Anthony Hill Jr. is projected to go late in the first or early in the second round.
For teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps in the mid-rounds, Kiper suggests Justin Jefferson from Alabama, Karson Sharar from Iowa, and Jack Kelly from BYU as potential fourth-round picks.
Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network lists four linebackers in his top-50 rankings: Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, Allen, Hill, and Rodriguez. The possibility of Rodriguez slipping to the third round or even to No. 62 is intriguing, though some mock drafts, like one from Pro Football Focus, have him going in the first round to the Patriots.
The Broncos have options, and they might find their linebacker solution deep in the draft, similar to their strategy at running back.
One name to watch is Josiah Trotter. ESPN’s Field Yates discussed Trotter as a fit for the Broncos at No. 62 on Mina Kimes' podcast.
Trotter, the son of NFL veteran Jeremiah Trotter, is known for his in-the-box prowess and ability to diagnose run plays. However, his knee issues, which cost him the 2023 season, remain a concern.
As the draft approaches, the Broncos have plenty of talent to evaluate, and their decisions could significantly shape their defense for the future.