Future Broncos: Pursuing a long-term solution at linebacker

The Denver Broncos were dealt a blow when Alex Singleton was lost for the season with an ACL injury. That coupled with a position group with players on one-year deals, the franchise will need to seriously consider drafting a linebacker in the 2025 NFL Draft . There is simply no long-term developmental option in house and that presents a big problem.

Unfortunately, the top-end talent in this year's class took a serious blow with LSU 's Harold Perkins Jr. tearing his ACL last weekend. He was one of only a handful of players with a potential first-round grade at the position. Eveno so, that doesn't mean there isn't talent to be had. Overall, I think that this will shape up and be a pretty good group of linebackers when the draft arrives.

Several weeks ago, I discussed Oklahoma standout Danny Stutsman as an option . He has continued to play well and is one of college football's leading tacklers. There is no doubt in my mind he is true three-down player at the next level and will be a great player. If the Broncos are in search of a field general to command the middle of their defense, he would be one of my early draft favorites.

But we can't just limit the scope to Stutsman, we have to dig a little bit deeper. For this week's installment of Future Broncos, I'd like to take a look at two other players worth considering and watching as the collegiate season rolls on. They might not be top guys, but players with good traits that translate to the big league.

Keenan Pili, LB — University of Tennessee

One player that is flying under the radar for a variety of reasons is Keenan Pili from the University of Tennessee.

A former two-year captain at BYU , Pili transferred to Tennessee for the 2023 season but missed most all of the it with a torn triceps. On top of that, he is quite a bit older as a prospect at 26 years old, but that's because he served several years on a mission trip. In football years, he still has tread on his tires, and I believe his best football is ahead of him.

At 6'3" and 240 pounds he has elite size and physicality for the position. He is a plus run defender and at his best playing downhill and shedding blocks. Pili has a knack for being around the football and is one of the SEC's leading tacklers. That type of ability will translate to Sundays on the professional gridiron.

From what I have seen on tape, Pili is a disciplined and cerebral player who is at the right place at the right time which might. Right now, Pili carries a Day 3 grade, but I wouldn't be surprised if he comes off the board earlier than that if he continues to play well. However, the medical concerns are an issue, as he also suffered a torn ACL in 2021, essentially resulting in two of his six seasons being lost due to injury.

Some Volunteers fans have even compared him to Al Wilson—a former Volunteer and one heck of a Bronco. I'm not sure he will ever be that great, but even 75-percent of Wilson's ability would be a big boost to Denver's defense.

Deontae Lawson, LB — University of Alabama

There is no doubt the University of Alabama is one of, if not the premier talent generation programs in all of football. Year after year, they lay claim to a bevy of first-round and early round draft picks.

It's quite easy to understand why. The Crimson Tide have been a great for ages and have some of the best coaches in the nation. They also get some of the best recruits in the country every season. Deontae Lawson is no exception and is next in line as a linebacker from Alabama who is ready to make the transition to the pros.

The local product from Mobile was a 2021 All-American in high school and generally regarded as a consensus Top 75 player. After redshirting in 2021, Lawson earned reps as a backup and progressed over the past few seasons before earning a starting role. Last year he had 67 tackles and 3 sacks.

HIs ability to be utilized as a blitzer would fit well in Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme. I felt that was one of his best abilities from the games I've watched. That being said, he will have to be more disciplined in pursuit and take better angles on the ball. I came away a little underwhelmed with his tackling technique, but it's important to keep in mind those deficiencies can be corrected.

Overall, he possesses three-down ability and the size and speed to go sideline to sideline. He looked comfortable in zone drops, but also needs work and reps in man coverage. He isn't an immediate starter in the league, but a prospect who will be coveted due to his special team ability and upside. All things considered; I'd venture he finds a home somewhere on Day 2 of the draft—more likely outside the Top 64 picks—but certainly a name for Broncos Country to watch.

So, Broncos Country—where would you rank linebacker on the list of needs for the 2025 NFL Draft? Who are some of your favorite prospects at the position that I should take a closer look at? Sound off in the comments section and let me know!