Denver Broncos Middle Linebacker Competition

The Broncos really struggled with finding a middle linebacker last season. Joe Mays was the starter for the beginning of the year until he got benched and then Keith Brooking took over. Brooking was OK, he was smart, but he was not fast enough to keep up with other players, especially in pass defense. John Fox has stated that 2011 third round pick, Nate Irving will get the first shot at starting middle linebacker in the offseason. Irving has not got much playing time in his first two seasons, but he got a decent amount at the end of last season and I liked what I saw. He is quick and always makes sure he brings down the running back. He could keep his starting job throughout training camp and into the season, but there is another player who is nipping at his heels.

Stewart Bradley was brought in during free agency. He has not been particularly stellar in his first five seasons in the NFL, but he is a solid player with starting experience, something that Irving has not had. He is a solid run defender who is also decent in pass coverage, although the Broncos don't use their starting middle linebackers in coverage all that often. Even if he does not get the starting job, I suspect he will still be used in the rotation pretty often.

Joe Mays was the starter to begin last season, but he was benched for his ineptness. He always goes for the kill shot when going after the ball carrier, which results in a lot of missed tackles. He is also vert bad in pass coverage. He cannot stay with a receiver to save his life. If he stays on the team, it will most likely be in a special teams role. However, he is making way to much money to be in a special teams role only. He will make 4 million dollars this season. I expect the Broncos to try and trade him before the season starts. Maybe to a team that has suffered an injury at the middle linebacker spot.

Steven Johnson was an undrafted rookie out of Kansas that made the team last season. He played very well in the pre season and really impressed the coaches. He is a very good all-around player. I would not be surprised if he made a run for the starting job, considering that the middle linebacker spot is basically an open competition. He likely wont win the competition, but there is no doubt that he should make the team.

I think Nate Irving will end up winning the competition, but not by much. Bradley and Johnson will not be far behind him and if he slips up in the regular season. He will need to be playing at a top level in order to keep his starting position. Mays is not in contention for the starting job and will likely be delegated to the special teams, if he is not traded. There is also a possibility that the coaching staff might say that there is no room on the roster for an expensive special teams player and outright cut him.

This is not the strongest position on the team and they should make it a priority to try and find a better middle linebacker in next years draft. Irving or whoever starts should be good enough for now since the Broncos don't use a middle linebacker very often since they are in nickel or dime for most of their plays.