The Denver Broncos are already experiencing some setbacks at the inside linebacker position and the 2025 season has not even kicked off yet.
Though many will say there isn't much to worry about, Drew Sanders has already suffered a foot injury that will keep him out for several weeks, Alex Singleton has a broken thumb and Dre Greenlaw has had to leave a practice early. There have been no major injuries so far, but it's already a position of concern for this team as the presumed starters — Greenlaw and Singleton — are coming off major injuries.
Looking at next year's draft class, Jacob Infante of Pro Football and Sports Network predicts that the Broncos will address the position early, using their first-round pick (No. 20 overall) on Georgia linebacker CJ Allen.
"The Denver Broncos were active in free agency, bringing in Dre Greenlaw to boost their linebacker room. With Alex Singleton slated to hit free agency, they could use a replacement and running mate for Greenlaw if the former leaves.
With impressive speed, agility, instincts against the run, and consistent tackling form, CJ Allen is a true rangy linebacker with elite range as a tackler. He has the potential to be one of the top linebackers in the league in due time", wrote Infante.
READ: Broncos pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction
In this scenario, the Broncos would likely allow Singleton to leave in free agency. Though he has been a tackling machine since arriving in Denver, he is coming off a torn ACL and will turn 32 years old this December. Even if he were to stay in Denver, the depth at the position is questionable and the team needs a prospect that can be developed into an every-down player.
CJ Allen went up and got it.
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) November 2, 2024
📺 ABC #GoDawgs | @therealcjay1 pic.twitter.com/MDA3VbSqxY
Allen could have the chance to do that and after a third year in Georgia's pro-style defense, he could be one of the top defensive players on next year's draft board.
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