Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are the obvious top two inside linebackers on the Denver Broncos' depth chart, but the competition for the two spots behind them appears to be wide open.
In addition to returning linebackers Karene Reid, Lavelle Bailey and Jordan Turner, the Broncos also have rookies Red Murdock (the final pick in this year's NFL draft) and Taurean York (a top undrafted free agent signing this spring). Murdock and York will get their first opportunities to impress in a live-game setting on Friday evening.
“I think they’re just making leaps and strides every day, you know what I mean?" Strnad said earlier this week when asked about the progression of Murdock and York. "Red had a great turnover today that he forced; York has been consistently getting better each and every day. I think when you’re talking about young guys that just got here, I think it’s important to see them grow on a day-to-day basis, take the coaching points, and stuff that we go over tonight in the meetings and apply them out here the next day.”
Singleton and Strnad (and the rest of the team's healthy starters) are only expected to play 10-15 snaps against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday evening, so there will be plenty of reps for backups competing for roster spots. Reid, Bailey, Turner, Murdock and York are likely competing for two or three openings, and the preseason games will provide crucial data when coaches evaluate the roster before cuts later this month. Friday is the first big test.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos' preseason opener provides big opportunity for 2 rookie LBs