Todd Davis is expected to serve as one of the Broncos’ starting inside linebackers this season but he probably won’t see much playing time in obvious passing downs. Last year, safety Will Parks served as one of Davis’ replacements on defense for passing situations.
This year, rookie linebacker Justin Strnad will be among the players competing for a rotational coverage job on defense.
“With Justin, you’re going to see the speed and explosion to the players that are in the coverage areas whether it be DBs or linebackers,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said on June 11. “He brings that coverage element and the adaptability to match up with some great offenses in our division.”
He’s listed as a linebacker on the roster but Strnad might play more like a coverage safety for Denver this season.
“I feel very comfortable in pass-coverage,” Strnad said on April 25. “I played safety in high school, so it’s something I’ve been doing for a long time.”
Strnad, who was selected by the Broncos in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft, totaled 244 tackles, eight sacks, 10 pass breakups and four interceptions during his time at Wake Forest. He’ll look to make an immediate impact in Denver as a rotational linebacker in 2020.
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