ENGLEWOOD, CO — The Denver Broncos solidified the core of their defense this week, re-signing veterans Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to keep the middle of the field locked down for 2026. However, the release of Dre Greenlaw leaves a massive hole in the depth chart. With the free-agent market for off-ball linebackers reaching record-high prices, George Paton and Sean Payton must turn to the 2026 NFL Draft to find affordable, high-impact youth.
If Denver wants a field general, Allen is the guy. Standing 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, he was the heartbeat of the Bulldogs’ defense last fall. He posted an elite 90.8 PFF run-defense grade in 2025, rarely missing a tackle. Allen understands the “green dot” responsibilities and can align a defense before the snap. While he isn’t a burner in space, his 200+ career collegiate tackles prove he knows exactly where the ball is going. He’s a downhill hammer who would thrive next to Singleton.
Golday is a physical freak. At nearly 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he clocked a 4.62-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He’s a converted defensive end who plays with a “missile” mentality. In 2025, he racked up 105 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Bearcats. He still plays with a bit of stiffness in his hips, but his length allows him to shut down passing lanes that other linebackers can’t reach. He’s the modern archetype for a coverage-capable thumper.
They call him “Shark” for a reason. Louis is a high-motor disruptor who earned Second-Team All-American honors in 2025. While he’s undersized at 220 pounds, his range is undeniable. He’s arguably the best zone-coverage linebacker in this class, frequently dropping into the slot to erase tight ends. For a Broncos defense that has struggled against athletic middle-of-the-field threats, Louis offers a specialized skill set that balances out the heavier hitters on the roster.
Perkins remains the ultimate wild card. After a devastating ACL tear in 2024, he returned in 2025 to flash the elite explosiveness that made him a household name as a freshman. He finished his final season at LSU with 4.5 sacks and three interceptions. His stock has dipped due to size concerns and medical history, but the talent is top-10 caliber. If he’s available on Day 3, Denver could land the steal of the draft.
Elarms-Orr saw his stock explode after a 154-tackle campaign in 2025. He’s an athletic marvel, boasting a 40-inch vertical leap. While his instincts are still catching up to his physical traits, you can’t coach his 4.47 speed. He’s a project for the coaching staff, but his ability to chase down ball carriers from the backside would make him a special teams ace immediately.
Elliott is a “thumper” in every sense. He’s a heavy-handed linebacker who loves to mix it up in the trenches. He lacks the sideline-to-sideline speed required for a three-down role in the NFL, but he’s a physical tone-setter. On 3rd-and-short or goal-line packages, Elliott is the type of player who fills the gap and doesn’t budge. He’s a high-floor depth piece with Day 1 special teams utility.
You can’t talk about Murdock without mentioning the record. He is the NCAA’s all-time leader in forced fumbles with 17 career strips. He is a turnover machine who plays with a relentless, glass-eating attitude. He finished 2025 with 142 tackles and 6 forced fumbles. His stiff movement in space will likely keep him in the late rounds, but his knack for the big play is something you simply cannot ignore at the end of the draft.
“We love the guys we brought back, but you can never have enough speed in the middle. The AFC West is too fast to stay static. We need guys who can hunt.”
— Anonymous Broncos Scout
Denver’s decision to “run it back” with Singleton and Strnad suggests they believe the 2025 defensive collapse was a matter of depth rather than starting talent. By targeting a linebacker in the middle rounds—specifically a coverage specialist like Kyle Louis or a turnover-creator like Red Murdock—the Broncos can insulate themselves against the injuries that derailed their postseason hopes last year. Expect the team to host at least three of these prospects for “Top 30” visits in the coming weeks.
