After coming tantalizingly close to a Super Bowl appearance, the Denver Broncos are setting their sights on strengthening their roster, with a keen focus on inside linebacker talent at the NFL Scouting Combine.
As the offseason kicks off, the Broncos face potential changes in their linebacker corps. Both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are approaching free agency, while Dre Greenlaw, despite being under contract, could be a cap casualty due to minimal guaranteed money.
At the Combine, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez shared insights into his recent meeting with the Broncos, describing the experience as seamless. “Their program’s really aligned,” Rodriguez noted.
“I would love to play in Denver. That’d be great.
I think great organization, great coaches, great place to be.”
Rodriguez, projected as a promising Day 2 draft pick, brings a unique perspective as a former quarterback, enhancing his ability to read offenses. His knack for creating turnovers is evident from his 2025 stats, where he forced seven fumbles and snagged four interceptions, earning a fifth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.
For the Broncos, who boasted a top-ranked defense yet struggled with turnovers, ranking 26th with only 14, Rodriguez’s skills could be a game-changer.
Broncos GM George Paton expressed confidence in the depth of this draft class but emphasized the importance of retaining current players. “We’d love to have those guys back,” Paton said, referring to Singleton and Strnad.
“We see those guys as Broncos. If we let those guys leave, what are we doing?”
However, retaining Strnad could prove challenging. At 29, he might seek a starting role elsewhere after primarily serving as a backup to Singleton and Greenlaw. Should Strnad depart, re-signing Singleton while drafting Rodriguez could be a strategic move for Denver.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s approach of easing rookies into playtime might benefit Rodriguez, allowing him to develop under the mentorship of veterans like Singleton and Greenlaw.
With a late first-round pick and Paton’s tendency to trade down, the Broncos could find themselves in a prime position to draft Rodriguez, bolstering a roster poised for contention.