If it weren’t for Bo Nix’s injury, the Broncos could easily have made it to the Super Bowl, and with their tremendous defense, Denver would have had a real shot at winning another championship. Sources with the Broncos believe they have a strong roster heading into the 2026 offseason, which gives them options in the 2026 NFL Draft. Sources say that a linebacker in the first round is a possibility, but depending on how free agency goes, they could easily end up going with the best player available approach.
The Broncos have veteran starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad entering free agency. It could be difficult to get both re-signed, but there will be good linebacker options in free agency. If they enter the draft still needing help at the position, it sounds like it is definitely in play for their first-round pick. Team sources say they really like Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen, and he would be a candidate for them.
The 2026 NFL Draft has some depth at the linebacker position, so they could land a nice player on the second day of the draft as well. Hence, they can go best player available in the first round and still land a quality linebacker on the second day. Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis is a good fit for Vance Joseph’s scheme, and Louis was tremendous at the Senior Bowl. The same could be said for another star from last season, who was good at the Senior Bowl, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.
In my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, I have the Broncos filling that need, but right now, Broncos sources say their options are open, and they could go with the best player available approach in the first round this April.
