Finding Broncos: Two Linebackers to Improve Depth
Even with Alex Singleton back in the fold, the Denver Broncos can use some help at the linebacker position. The priority must be finding someone who can upgrade their coverage ability from the position, as Singleton and Josey Jewell are solid there. However, they need more than solid, especially in the division they are in.
These two linebackers don't offer up an upgrade in the coverage ability, but they offer up someone that can develop to replace Jewell after the 2023 season potentially.
Noah Sewell | LB | Oregon
Pros
- Tackling production is great for three years.
- Showed excellent timing and ability as a blitzer in 2021.
- He keeps it clean with only two penalties in his career.
- Good size with solid athleticism.
- Plenty of experience as a three-year starter playing over 1,800 snaps.
- The motor runs hot and never stops.
- Plenty of tools as a pass rusher to work with.
- Did improve his tackling reliability from 2021 to 2022 from 17.9$ to 12.5%.
- Can generate power into blocks to stack and shed blocks.
Cons
- The career missed tackle rate is 15.1%, with 12.5% in 2022, which would tie for the 16th highest in 2022 in the NFL out of 52 qualifying linebackers.
- He can find himself out of position with a lack of discipline.
- He is not fluid with his change of direction.
- Stiff in his lower body.
- Lacks range vertically while having great lateral range.
- His instincts are consistently off and can lead him out of position.
- Range in coverage is severely limited, licking leading to a limited role.
- He can get stuck on blocks and through the trash.
- He has to play with improved and consistent technique.
Overview
Noah Sewell is a physical downhill linebacker that can work laterally. However, he has severe limitations with his coverage ability, which isn't ideal heading into the pass-happy NFL. Nevertheless, his value on obvious passing downs is still on the field, working in short coverages or as a blitzer.
Fit with Broncos
The Denver Broncos linebacker room has solid coverage guys that work better against the run. However, they need someone with the instincts and awareness to improve their ability in coverage. Sewell is a good linebacker prospect, but he doesn't fit with what the Broncos already have.
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Ivan Pace Jr | LB | Cincinnati
Pros
- Transferred to Cincinnati for 2022, had a tremendous year, and picked things up quickly.
- He is praised for his football IQ.
- He has good instincts and is quick to react to them.
- Excellent production as a blitzer
- Production over 2021 and 2022 is outstanding
- Plenty of special teams experience with great results.
- Sixth sense on where the ball is at all times.
- He has great balance when in zone coverage and natural awareness of receivers' positions.
- Plays with good body control and sound technique in all phases.
Cons
- He doesn't have the ideal size or length in the NFL.
- Got hit with 10 penalties in 2022.
- He struggles to get off blocks against the run or when getting after the quarterback.
- He doesn't have the length to keep defenders off his frame.
- Can get caught looking in man coverage.
- He is naturally aggressive, which can get him caught jumping on play fakes.
Overview
Ivan Pace Jr is an undersized linebacker who doesn't have the ideal length for the modern NFL. In college, there were issues in coverage, especially in man coverage, where he wasn't the most disciplined with his eyes. However, the biggest issue with his lack of length will pop up when trying to shrink the window on over routes.
Fit with Broncos
There are a lot of tools and traits with Pace to work with, but the Broncos need someone more reliable in coverage. With Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton as the top two, the Broncos have great run defense from the unit and are solid in coverage. Unfortunately, Pace doesn't have the reliability in coverage to be enough of a boost where they need it most.
However, Pace can improve the depth and special teams unit, along with Noah Sewell. They both can take the year to be developed and potentially replace Josey Jewell in the 2024 season, with Jewell set to be a free agent.
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