Broncos Draft: Value in Late-Round Linebackers

0:00On 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.

1:01Adding 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.