The Denver Gazette examines different Broncos position groups before the start of training camp with rookies reporting Wednesday:

Linebacker

Projected starters

—OLB Nik Bonitto

—ILB Alex Singleton

—ILB Justin Strnad

—OLB Jonathon Cooper

Projected backups

—OLB Jonah Elliss

—ILB Red Murdock

—ILB Jordan Turner

—OLB Dondrea Tillman

Depth/Roster hopefuls

—Levelle Bailey

—Karene Reid

—Taurean York

—Drew Sanders

—Que Robinson

—Dasan McCullough

—Johnny Walker

Elephant in the room: Do they need help at inside linebacker?

The Broncos parted ways with Dre Greenlaw after one injury-marred season in Denver. They also re-signed Singleton and Strnad as their starting inside linebackers for 2026. It’s fair to wonder if they needed to upgrade one of those spots. Isn’t that why they signed Greenlaw in free agency last year?

Inside linebacker might be a perceived weakness on an otherwise stout defense. The Broncos have struggled in recent years to cover tight ends. Greenlaw also brought a level of physicality that might be lacking at the position. But there are several positive aspects to running it back with returning inside linebackers.

Singleton is arguably the most inspirational Broncos leader. The team captain is back to full strength after a cancer scare last season. Strnad spent the past five seasons working his way up the depth chart to secure a three-year contract extension and starting role. That continuity is one reason why the defense feels so confident with Singleton and Strnad up the middle.

Biggest competition:
Outside linebacker depth

It is unclear if Cooper has a future with the Broncos. The starting outside linebacker was excused in June from minicamp following domestic violence charges. Coach Sean Payton said: “There is a bar that we have and an expectation that we have that is very high. We’ll consider that as we continue to gather the information.”

Cooper’s potential absence might give more opportunities to depth edge rushers like Elliss, Tillman, Sanders and Robinson. The Broncos have enough quality depth to roll out several players to help fill the void. Cooper is currently still a member of the Broncos with veterans reporting to training camp on July 28.

Bottom line

Bonitto is well established among the best in the NFL with 27.5 sacks over the last two seasons. There are other question marks at linebacker for the Broncos. But it shouldn’t be a major concern with several young players in a position to grow this season.