UDFA linebacker Jordan Turner could be a dark horse candidate to make the Broncos’ roster

UDFA linebacker Jordan Turner is one of the most intriguing prospects the Denver Broncos signed after the 2025 NFL Draft.

It’s been a long time since the Denver Broncos have had elite play from an inside linebacker.

This offseason, they rolled the dice and gave inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw a three-year deal worth $35 million dollars. Greenlaw has flashed elite abilities over his career in the National Football League. Unfortunately, he has dealt with his share of injuries that have hampered his ability to routinely stay on the field.

If Greenlaw can stay healthy for the upcoming 2025 season, the Broncos’ defense should be even better than last season. That’s a scary thought for opposing offenses. He joins a position group consisting of Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, and Drew Sanders. Both Singleton and Sanders are recovering from injury as well, so long-term health and availability is certainly a concern.

The Broncos signed multiple undrafted rookie free agents at linebacker to compete over the course of the summer. One of those is Michigan State prospect Jordan Turner.

After spending four years at Wisconsin, Turner transferred to Michigan State for his fifth collegiate campaign. In his sole season with the Spartans in 2024, he was a team captain and produced at a high level registering 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. In 42 career games with 29 starts between both programs, Turner totaled 201 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles—statistical production that shows he has a knack for big plays.

Of note, from 2020 to 2022, Turner played under Jim Leonhard who was the defensive coordinator for the Badgers. With that connection, there is no doubt he played an important role in bringing him to Denver. Turner boasts a lot of experience, production, and an intriguing skillset to the Broncos, but can that translate to earning a spot on the final 53-man roster? Let’s discuss.

Player Profile

Age: 24 | Experience: Rookie | College: Michigan State | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 235 pounds

Arm Length: 31-1/2” | Hand Size: 9-1/2” | Vertical: 33-1/2” | Bench: 25 reps

40-yard dash: 4.77 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.01 seconds | 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36 seconds

Jordan Turner’s 2025 outlook with the Broncos

Turner has an uphill battle to make the Broncos’ final 53-man roster, but I believe he is one of the most talented college free agents they signed this past cycle. Quite frankly, I’m a bit surprised he didn’t hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Turner is a strong defender against the run. He uses his length to his advantage and for the most part is a sound tackler. He posted one of the best grades of any linebacker in college football in that regard this past season and was always around the football. While Turner’s athleticism would be regarded as just above-average for the position, his football intelligence and ability to diagnose plays quickly often has him in the right place at the right time assignment-wise.

His tape shows some issues in man coverage. It’s not something I’d expect him to be tasked with often in the pros. However, I like his ability to drop back into zone coverage. He seems far more comfortable there and goes a good job reading-and-reacting to the quarterback. On top of that, he also generates quality pressure as a blitzer and has an innate feel for timing and being disruptive when asked to get after opposing signal callers.

Over the past two years with the Badgers and Spartans, he also logged over 100 special teams’ snaps. If he wants to make a home in the Mile High City, he will need to flash in that respect over throughout summer and the preseason.

Final Thoughts

Last season the Broncos carried four inside linebackers for most of the season. I’d suspect that will remain the same in 2025. Unless a significant injury were to occur, I think the Broncos’ core four is locked in with Greenlaw, Singleton, Strnad and Sanders.

But as you all know, three of those four are coming off major injuries. The likelihood of a practice squad player being called up is quite high. Levelle Bailey might have the upper hand due to experience and knowledge in Vance Joseph’s defense, but I wouldn’t count Turner out as an option either.

Even if he doesn’t earn a spot on the final roster, I hope he sticks around as a developmental prospect on the practice squad. He showed quality three down ability in college and has the traits and intelligence to stick in the league.