The Denver Broncos have a crowded outside linebacker room — which is just the way they like it.
“You get a good rotation, and you want to keep guys fresh,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said on June 14. “When you rush the passer — interior or exterior — it’s one of those deals that it’s more tiresome than people think. Depth is always good.”
The Broncos having so much depth at the position will allow them to rotate in pass rushers in waves. That will, ideally, help the team’s outside linebackers stay healthy and fresh.
The starting spots will be dictated by form and availability.
“It’s a factor of who’s playing the best,” Evero said.
Denver outside linebacker Bradley Chubb has been a starter when healthy over the last four years, but injuries have limited his production, and he missed 10 games last year. Chubb is now healthy again and the Broncos are counting on him to be a leader at the position in 2022.
“He looks good,” Evero said of Chubb. “He’s feeling good, he’s looking good. He’s expecting to have a big year, and we’re expecting the same thing from him.”
Across from Chubb, Denver is expected to start free agent signee Randy Gregory, who’s currently recovering from a shoulder procedure (yup, having depth will come in handy).
“He’s been doing a good job on the things he can control,” Evero said of Gregory. “He’s been great in the classroom; he’s been great asking questions and trying to learn as much as he can. I’m really pleased with what he’s done so far.”
Behind Chubb and Gregory, the Broncos have second-round draft pick Nik Bonitto, converted inside linebacker Baron Browning, rotational rushers Malik Reed and Jonathon Cooper, special teams ace Aaron Patrick and undrafted gem Christopher Allen.
Look out, quarterbacks.
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