Broncos Shift Sanders to OLB, Boosting Depth

0:00On April 21st, the Denver Broncos are shifting third-year linebacker Drew Sanders back to outside linebacker for the 2026 season. Reports from DNVR Zach Stevens dropped his news on Monday, marking a big positional tweak for the young defender. This comes right after Jonah Ellis switched from outside to inside linebacker, basically swapping spots with Sanders during this offseason shake-up. Sanders, a 2023 third-round pick from Arkansas, has flipped between roles since joining the league. At 6 foot 5 and 233 pounds, his speed and coverage shined more on the edge, though injuries have slowed him down. He sat out all of 2025 with a torn foot ligament and played just four games in 2024, after in Achilles' tear. On the depth chart, he'd slot as no better than the fourth outside linebacker, behind Nick Bonito, Jonathan Cooper, and Andrea Tillman. Some see this as a possible smoke screen before the draft, especially with Mox linking the Broncos to inside linebackers like Texas Tech's Jacob, Rodriguez.

1:05Either way, it's all about ramping up competition as the team builds depth and eyes starters who can stay healthy and produce.