Broncos 2019 positional grades: Linebacker

Despite losing Bradley Chubb early in 2019, the Denver Broncos’ linebacker corps had a respectable 2019 season.

Josey Jewell

(Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Stats

Tackles: 38

Sacks: 1.5

Fumble recoveries: 2

Jewell took a back seat this past season to Johnson, seeing action on about 20 percent of the team’s defensive snaps while Johnson was on the field for 69 percent, according to Pro Football Reference.

Jewell was drafted to be a starter but there is a chance that ship has already sailed unless the team decides not to re-sign Davis or sign another inside linebacker in free agency.

Jewell will have something to prove in 2020.

Grade: C-

Malik Reed

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Stats

Tackles: 27

Sacks: 2

Tackles for loss: 5.5

Fumble recoveries: 1

Undrafted out of Nevada, Reed had such a strong showing in the summer that he looked like a lock to make the 53-man roster after about the time of the second preseason game.

Reed was then thrust into a more important role following the injury to Chubb and he stepped up and played well, showing that he could be an integral defensive piece for years to come.

Grade: B+