Initial expectations and projections for Justin Strnad with the Broncos in 2020

DENVER — For a second-straight year under Vic Fangio, the Broncos used their fifth-round pick on a versatile linebacker.

In 2019, Justin Hollins was viewed as more of an outside linebacker that primarily rushed the passer. Once the Broncos drafted him, Denver tried playing him at inside backer too. In 2020, the Broncos went different a direction with Justin Strnad in the fifth round. While Strnad has experience playing all over the field, the majority of his experience came as a traditional off-the-line backer.

As a rookie, Hollins played in 25 percent of the defensive snaps. Will Strnad fill a bigger role his rookie season playing inside?

Here’s what to expect from the rookie linebacker in 2020.

Projections for 2020: Go-to coverage linebacker; 16 games played

The Broncos already have their two starting linebackers for 2020. But by drafting Strnad they found their new go-to coverage linebacker.

And boy have the Broncos desperately needed this.

Tight ends and running backs out of the backfield have given Denver’s defense fits for years. In fact, just last year, the Broncos got torched by tight ends inside their division, even under Fangio.

In two games against the Chiefs, Travis Kelce owned Denver—combining for 17 receptions for 186 yards. Darren Waller of the Raiders also went off in his two games against the Broncos—racking up 177 yards on 13 catches.

The Broncos used a fifth-round draft pick on Strnad in an attempt to slow those two, among others, down moving forward.

At Wake Forest, Strnad wasn’t just a coverage linebacker, but that was certainly his specialty throughout his entire career. At 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, Strnad has the size needed to cover tight ends and running backs. His 4.74 40-yard-dash speed will be sufficient, but not ideal, against many tight ends.

With Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson starting for Denver at inside linebacker—and both better defending against the run than Strnad—the rookie will most certainly be coming off the bench. In 2020, he’ll have a very specific role as a coverage linebacker as he continues to become a more well-rounded backer that will allow him to see the field in more than just passing situations.

A successful season for the rookie will have Strnad as Denver’s go-to coverage specialist from the linebacker room. This will get him on the field often. But that role won’t be handed to him as Joe Jones, Justin Hollins and Josh Watson will be fighting for a similar role as Strnad.