4. Inside Linebacker
When Danny Trevathan bolted for Chicago, inside linebacker immediately became the Broncos’ biggest area of need on the defense — which is saying a lot, given that they still have Brandon Marshall in the mix.
Todd Davis, who filled in for Trevathan and Marshall at times last season, and third-year linebacker Corey Nelson seemed to be next in line for the job, but most expected Elway to target another option in the draft. Instead, he passed on guys like Scooby Wright and opted for Frank Shannon, an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma.
Off stats alone, Shannon may have been a draftable prospect, but thanks to a year-long suspension for a Title IX sexual misconduct investigation, teams were understandably scared off. If he can reach his on-field potential, though, Shannon has the ability to compete for a starting job, let alone a roster spot.
Between the three, the Broncos should be fine, especially considering the level of talent around them.
