Broncos Player Profile: Barrington Wade #54 | Linebacker
The Denver Broncos had plenty of issues at the linebacker position last year after Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson suffered season-ending injuries. But, despite the injury issues at the position, Barrington Wade couldn't get out on the field on defense.
Can Wade make the roster this season with a new coaching staff and some changes at the position? Let's dive into his resume to hopefully find out.
Biography
Wade just turned 24 years old in March. He is from Skokie, Illinois, and went to Iowa for college.
College Career
Wade redshirted his freshman year, then played 72 snaps on defense in 2018 and 2019. He picked up three tackles but missed two tackles over that short time.
However, Wade was a special teams player for Iowa during those two years playing 376 third-phase snaps. He picked up four tackles with three missed on special teams. For his Pro Football Focus grade, he earned 68.1 in 2018 and 55.1 in 2019.
In Wade's final year, he added 120 snaps on special teams and another missed tackle for a PFF grade of 58.0. It was also the year he got on the field the most on defense, playing 209 snaps, and starting two games.
Despite the playing time, Wade filled up the box score pretty well with one sack, two interceptions, seven tackles, and four stops. It landed him a 62.4 overall grade from PFF, with a 65.5 in run-defense and 74.7 in tackling, making up for his poor grades in the other two phases.
Draft
With only 33 games under his belt in college and the 2021 Draft Class being strong at the linebacker position, it isn't surprising to see Wade go undrafted. He initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
Professional Career
The Ravens waived Wade last August 6, and Denver claimed him. He spent the rest of the season between the Broncos' practice squad and roster.
Wade saw action in four games during the season, all on special teams. He played 52 snaps and received a special team grade of 54.1 from PFF. After the season, Denver signed him to a futures contract.
2022 Outlook
With Jewell re-signed, Alex Singleton signed, and Jonas Griffith being a surprise to end the 2021 season, Wade's prospects seem doubtful. However, despite the similarities, Denver is changing its defensive scheme, which will likely call for fewer linebackers.
Wade struggled to see the field last year when Denver was at a point of signing players off the street to put out there on the field. That doesn't bode well for his chances of making the roster. Special teams will be his pathway to do so, but his limited showing in 2021 wasn't good enough.
If Wade wants to make the Broncos' roster, he will need to show huge steps of growth during preseason and training camp. Even then, it may not be enough for the active roster but maybe the practice squad. Many others are competing with Wade for the final roster spot/practice squad spots for linebackers.
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