Broncos' Linebacker Shuffle: Draft Implications

0:00On April 21st, the Denver Broncos just shook up their linebacker lineup ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. They're sliding outside linebacker Jonathan Ellis inside to play linebacker this season, while moving inside linebacker Drew Sanders back out to the edge. It's all about getting the best players in the right spots. Coach Sean Payton talked about this switch last week. He said it could tweak their draft strategy at both inside and outside linebacker spots. Payton noted how the position has evolved, with guys coming from safety or edge rolls and plenty of college tape on strong inside backers. Fans and analysts are buzzing because this flexibility might change how Denver approaches the draft board. Payton called it a mix of adjusting the roster first and drafting to fit, leaving room for debate on whether they prioritize early or go later. Right now, the team looks poised to grab at least one inside linebacker sometime in the draft. People see good options out there, but the exact timing stays up in the air.

1:00With the draft kicking off in Pittsburgh from April 23 to 25th, keep an eye on how these moves play out for the Broncos' defense. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered football coverage.