Inside linebackers stepping up to the challenge for Broncos

For established players in the NFL, the preseason isn’t arduous. It’s the calm before the storm. But for rookies and undrafted free agents, it’s the exact opposite. It is the storm. One big play could be the difference between making the team or finding yourself on the outside looking in. The latter rings true for several inside linebackers for the Denver Broncos that are vying for a spot on this year’s final 53-man roster.

Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad will be Denver’s top duo at the position in 2026. That’s etched in stone. However, the battle for who earns the backup spots behind them continue to intensify. Unfortunately, the team’s depth at the position took a hit in preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons with Levelle Bailey suffering a broken leg.

With Jordan Turner absent from the game after recently being activated from the NFI list, three players saw significant snaps against the Falcons: Red Murdock, Taurean York, and Karene Reid. For Murdock and York, it was their first in-game reps in the pros. With respect to Reid, a chance to show he deserves a spot after playing in ten games with the team as a UDFA last season.

After yesterday’s practice, Head Coach Sean Payton noted he was pleased with what he saw from the trio of linebackers in Atlanta.

“They got good snaps, valuable snaps. It was good exposure for them, part of the process. We did a lot of things we wanted to accomplish, so it was good to see those guys get the work,” stated Payton.

It’s a complex position to learn. However, Payton noted that all of them have picked things up quickly and is encouraged with their progress.

“You have the run fits, you have the pass game, you have the calls. If you’re calling the defense, you’ve kind of got quite a bit and you’re hoping that comes instinctually. They’re not going to pick it up right away, but they learn quickly,” added Payton.

The last pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mr. Irrelevant, Murdock was anything but in his NFL debut. A bright spot throughout training camp, Murdock has impressed teammates and coaches with his intelligence and nose for the football. The two-time first-team All-MAC standout logged the most snaps of any defensive player against the Falcons with 47. He also led the team in tackles with eight.

Next in line for snap share was second-year linebacker Reid. He had four tackles on 28 snaps—as well as the key tip which resulted in cornerback Jahdae Barron’s 97-yard pick six. York, the UDFA rookie linebacker from Texas A&M, finished the game with two tackles on 22 snaps.

With just two preseason games remaining and a little less than two weeks before roster cutdowns, every opportunity and rep will matter for Denver’s young group of inside linebackers. In reality, it’s not just for a spot on the roster. It’s about proving they can be the ‘next man up’ if need be. Who will that be? That’s yet to be determined, but based on what we saw versus the Falcons, I’d say Murdock has the inside track for the LB3 position.