Nik Bonitto headlines talented returning linebackers | Broncos position analysis: LB
The Denver Gazette examines each Broncos position group before the official start of training camp later this week. Next up: linebackers.
Projected starters
—OLB Nik Bonitto
—ILB Alex Singleton
—ILB Dre Greenlaw
—OLB Jonathon Cooper
Projected backups
—OLB Dondrea Tillman
—ILB Justin Strnad
—ILB Drew Sanders
—OLB Jonah Eliss
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Roster hopefuls
—Andrew Farmer
—Karene Reid
—Levelle Bailey
—Que Robinson
—Jordan Turner
—JB Brown
—Johnny Walker Jr.
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Elephant in the room: Can Bonitto repeat breakout performance?
Nik Bonitto went from a relative unknown to a household name last season in Broncos Country. He became the fourth player in league history with at least 13 sacks and two defensive touchdowns in a season. It landed Bonitto a Pro Bowl berth and second-team All-Pro honors. He’s now in line for a big contract extension.
Bonitto enters his fourth NFL season with big expectations. He’s no longer a surprise for opposing defenses. Coach Sean Payton also discussed the possibility of reducing his snap count in 2025. Bonitto played on 61.3% of defensive snaps a year ago. How would that alter his production this season?
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Biggest competition: Inside linebacker
There is plenty of talent at inside linebacker. Plenty of questions, too.
Alex Singleton is back after missing all but three games last season with a torn ACL. Denver signed Dre Greenlaw in free agency, and he sat out the spring due to a strained quadriceps muscle. Greenlaw is expected to be healthy for training camp. But he played only 30 snaps last season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
Justin Strnad gained valuable experience with eight starts a year ago in Singleton’s absence. Drew Sanders endured a torn Achilles tendon after his rookie year (2023) and played in only four games last season. But the former third-round pick from Arkansas has potential to be the next breakout star from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s highly touted unit.
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Bottom line
The Broncos led the NFL with 63 sacks a year ago. They lost Cody Barton in free agency to the Seahawks. But Greenlaw is a clear upgrade (at least on paper). Everyone else comes back to give this defense an extremely strong presence at linebacker.