Josey Jewell

Jewell signed a two-year, $11 million contract in March to remain in Denver. The 27-year-old played in just two games in 2021 before suffering a torn pectoral that ended his season. In the season prior, Jewell totaled 113 tackles, four pass deflections and two sacks. The veteran should start at inside linebacker and look to return to form as a key part the Broncos' strong defensive unit.

Jewell, a 2018 fourth-rounder, emerged as a quality starter for Denver last season, compiling five-plus tackles in all but two games. The Iowa product seemingly lacks the ideal athleticism to star in Vic Fangio's system, but at least to start the coming season Jewell projects to start alongside Alexander Johnson, with 2021 third-round pick Baron Browning waiting in the wings should Jewell struggle.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 draft as an heir apparent at inside linebacker, injuries to Brandon Marshall pushed Jewell into the starting lineup early. He finished his rookie campaign with nine starts, 58 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three passes defended. Marshall is in Oakland now and a calf injury to Jewell's presumed tandem partner, Todd Davis, has further accelerated Jewell's development as the sophomore has been calling the defense until Davis returns. Inside linebackers have put together some prolific seasons under head coach Vic Fangio and, while Jewell isn't quite the athlete of some of Fangio's former studs, the team showed its faith in him by eschewing other potential options in the draft and free agency.