You can never have too many pass rushers in the NFL — just ask the Denver Broncos.
After trading away Von Miller last fall, the Broncos found his replacement this spring by signing Randy Gregory during free agency. Gregory will pair with Bradley Chubb as one of the team’s two starting outside linebackers.
After signing Gregory, Denver then used a second-round pick in the draft to select Nik Bonitto, who projects as a future starter for the Broncos. After the draft, Denver also added college free agent Christopher Allen.
The Broncos also have rotational rushers Malik Reed and Jonathon Cooper returning this year, plus special teams ace Aaron Patrick.
Oh, and Baron Browning‘s working at OLB this spring.
That’s eight OLBs, all of them capable of making the team. But last year, Denver carried just five OLBs on the initial 53-man roster. Even if Allen projects as a practice squad candidate in Year 1, the Broncos probably don’t have room for all of the seven other OLBs on the active roster.
As for Reed, he’s embracing the competition at the position.
“I feel like it’s a position they prioritize to really be a force out there on the field,” Reed said last week. “That’s what you want. You can’t have enough guys that can rush the passer and enough guys that can set the edge. It’s good to have a lot of guys that are out there, and competition brings the best out of everybody. I’m excited for it.”
The competition is great for Denver because it will help the team get the most out of their pass rushers, but one or more of the linebackers might be looking for a new home in early September. Reed himself might end up being a late-summer trade candidate — he’s much too valuable to cut and a team seeking more depth at pass rusher might be willing to make a deal.
The Broncos certainly won’t need to look for more depth themselves. Denver’s OLB room is crowded — just about overflowing with talent — so whoever ends up on the 53-man roster will have earned it, that’s for sure.
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