Editor’s note: This is the eighth in a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previous previews: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen and edge rushers. Today: Inside linebackers.
Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Re-signed Jonas Griffith and Justin Strnad, signed Cody Barton and let Josey Jewell leave via free agency.
Under contract: Drew Sanders (three years), Alex Singleton (two years), Griffith (one year), Strnad (one year), Barton (one year).
Need scale (1-10): 5. This is a real need for Denver long-term, but it’s probably not as high on the priority list at present because of Singleton’s steady play, the chance for a bounce-back year from Griffith and the addition of Barton on a modest one-year deal. Sanders is the wild card. He might be the key to the middle of the field for years to come in Denver or might be an outside linebacker going forward.
Top five
1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M: Cooper racked up 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2023 for the Aggies. He’s got fine size for the middle at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds and he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
2. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State: Injuries are a question, but the 24-year-old is a big-time player and athlete. He’s 6-4 and 233, ran 4.43 at the combine and had 138 tackles (17.5 for loss) for NC State in 2023. Dealt with knee and shoulder issues but played 23 games the past two seasons.
3. Junior Colson, Michigan: At 6-2 and 240 is more than big enough to patrol the middle of the field. Led the Wolverines in tackles the past two years while playing for a team that went 28-1 and won a national title. Didn’t work out at the combine due to a hamstring injury.
4. Trevin Wallace, Kentucky: Shorter at 6-1 and 237 but has good range (79-inch wingspan) and can run (4.51 in the 40). Three-and-out player just turned 21 but played in 36 games at UK. Had 14 TFLs and eight sacks over the past two years.
5. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State: Five-year college player had 120 tackles (12 for loss) in 2022 and then 80 last year despite missing three games. Two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection.
Broncos options
The Broncos have eight picks, starting with No. 12 and then No. 76 in the third round. Here are five more options for Denver.
Cedric Gray, North Carolina: Good athlete at 6-2 and 234 who jumps off the page for production the past two years. Had 145 tackles in 2022 and 121 in 2023, racking up 23 TFLs, six sacks, five forced fumbles and three INTs, too.
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Jordan Magee, Temple: A pre-draft visitor of the Broncos who is 6-1 and 230 and started three years for the Owls. Defended 10 passes in that time and had 29.5 tackles for loss, too.
Marist Liufau, Notre Dame: Another pre-draft visitor of the Broncos, Liufau is 6-2 and 234. He missed all of 2021 due to injury but started 25 games the past two years. Ran 4.64 in the 40.
Easton Gibbs, Wyoming: Yet another Broncos pre-draft visitor, Gibbs was a first-team All-Mountain West pick each of the past two seasons and racked up 230 tackles (13 for loss) plus five sacks and three forced fumbles.
Jaylan Ford, Texas: The Broncos have loaded up on Longhorns this offseason and Ford is a Day 3 possibility. He’s 6-2 and 240 and racked up 220 tackles (20.5 for loss) over the past two years as a starter at UT.
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