Broncos Draft: Value in Late-Round Linebackers

On April 6, the Denver Broncos head into the 2026 NFL Draft with 7 picks, missing their

first and third round selections after, trading them to snag wide receiver Jalen Waddle from

the Miami Dolphins.

Their eyeing spots like linebacker, running back, tight end, interior defensive line, and

safety to plug roster holes.

Since the rookie pay scale kicked in back in 2011, the Broncos have drafted inside linebackers

mostly in later rounds from 4th through, 7th.

Guys like Danny Trevaffin in the 6th, Hosey Jewel in the 4th, and Justin Stronad in the

5th, turned into solid starters over multiple seasons.

Those late round gyms provided real value without burning early picks, while third rounders

Nate Irving and Drew Sanders fell short, Irving stuck too.

Special teams and Sanders battled injuries.

Overall the track record shows depth players can step up big time.

They just resigned starters, Alex Singleton and Justin Stronad, but depth is then beyond

special teamer, Kareen Reed.

Adding competition there makes sense without forcing an early selection.

Fans can chill if they skip linebacker early.

Day 3 of the draft has delivered before, and building that pipeline keeps the unit strong

for the long haul.