UDFA linebacker JB Brown could be a pressure player for the Denver Broncos

Kansas Jayhawks linebacker JB Brown was extremely productive in his two years in the Big 12. What role will he have with the Denver Broncos in 2025?

The core four at inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos consists of Dre Greenlaw, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, and Drew Sanders.

It’s a talented group of players, but the key concern is health. Outside of them, second-year pro Levelle Bailey and undrafted rookies Jordan Turner and Karene Reid are also in the mix fighting for a potential roster sport. But a third UDFA is also hoping to realize his dream of making the roster—Kansas Jayhawks linebacker JB Brown.

Brown started his collegiate career at Bowling Green and played there for three seasons. After a breakout 2022 junior campaign where he posted 53 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and made the jump from the MAC to Big 12 landing with the Jayhawks.

Over his final two seasons, he was a big-time playmaker for their defense. In 25 games of Big 12 action, Brown saw a significant uptick in production. He racked up 131 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. He would finish his five-year collegiate career appearing in 55 games with 206 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.

Brown was more productive going against better competition in college, but what will it take for him to secure a spot on Denver’s final 53-man roster? Let’s discuss.

Player Profile

Age: 24 | Experience: Rookie | College: Kanas | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 225 pounds

Arm Length: 32-1/4” | Hand Size: 8-7/8” | Broad: 9’9” | Vertical: 33-1/2” | Bench: 20 reps

40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.32 seconds | 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.53 seconds

JB Brown’s 2025 outlook with the Broncos

The Broncos awarded Brown with a $10,000 signing bonus and another $150,000 in guarantees to sway him to the Mile High City. He is one player I’m definitely excited to hear about over the course of training camp.

In the Jayhawks’ defense, he spent a lot of time playing on the outside in their linebacking alignments. With the Broncos, he will be an inside linebacker in Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense. From what I saw, he was deployed a lot as a blitzer and quite effective in that respect. I can envision Joseph designating him as a potential ‘pressure player’ in certain packages much like they have with Drew Sanders.

Additionally, even though he is a bit light, he shows quality ability to shed off blocks and disengage from opposing offensive lineman. His long arms that help with that and he knows how to use that length to his advantage. Though adding strength and weight to his frame would be ideal as he navigates the advanced rigors of the NFL.

I didn’t see a lot of work with him in man coverage down the field, but when tasked to drop back in zone or keep plays in front of him out in the flats, I thought he looked comfortable. He has really good closing speed and burst getting to ballcarriers in his vicinity.

Brown definitely has intriguing traits and abilities. If he hopes to make the final roster, being a standout on special teams throughout training camp and the preseason is going to be an absolute must.

Final Thoughts

With Dre Greenlaw, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, and Drew Sanders atop the depth chart, Brown’s main competition is fellow UDFA linebackers Karene Reid and Jordan Turner, as well as second-year pro Levelle Bailey. That’s going to be a fun camp battle to watch. I think one of the three UDFA’s from this year’s class will eventually make their way into the game day rotation—but that might be a bit down the road.

With that in mind, I don’t expect him to make the final 53-man roster, but I like his mindset that he is ready to steal someone’s job. However, given the uncertainty at the position down the road (Singleton and Strnad are free agents after the ‘25 season), I can certainly see him sticking around on the 16-man practice squad for further development.