I’ve been hammering the Broncos on their reluctance to upgrade the inside linebacker position for years. No serious draft picks spent on it, no trades, and no serious free agent pursuit.
One of the most overlooked reasons that our 2015 defense was so dominant was the quality of talent we had at ILB. We had Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall. Both of those guys could cover. Both defended the run. They were playmakers just like everyone else on that defense.
The Broncos signing Daiyan Henley is an A+
move, and I darn near would give them the same grade if they had traded a 3rd-round pick for him.
Henley is a player that has been loved and respected in the Chargers’ locker room. He’s a captain of the team. He’s also a guy who has worn the green dot for the defense (calling the plays for the defense). This is yet another high-character player added to a locker room built on high character and positive culture.
Athletically, he’s the most talented linebacker on the inside we have seen in a very long time. His capability at coverage is excellent. He’s also a more sure tackler than either of our current starters.
So the question for this team becomes: what happens with our defense?
While I think he’s a real option for the future captain of our defense over Alex Singleton, that day will not be soon. He’s going to have to learn the defense and be in the system a while before the Broncos can even think of that.
I expect him to be in the mix in nickel downs coming out of the bye. I think he’s likely going to take Justin Strnad’s spot as the starter before the season is over.
No matter what happens with the snap count, having depth at inside linebacker is a big deal. Having a linebacker who can cover running backs in the flat and tight ends could very well be the missing piece for this defense to take a big step forward.
Broncos News:
Broncos agree to terms on trade with Chargers for LB Daiyan Henley
The two biggest trade deadline deals last year were flops
Broncos land LB Daiyan Henley in trade with Chargers before deadline
Chargers-Broncos Trade Grades: Los Angeles Finally Makes a Deal Amid Winless Start
Other NFL News:
2026 NFL trade deadline winners, losers: Kirk Cousins, Josh Downs, Bengals, more
2026 NFL Trade Deadline: Five Trades That Should Have Happened
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Agent: Brandon Aiyuk plans to play this season, likely with ‘somebody that knows him’
Chiefs acquire Colts WR Josh Downs ahead of trade deadline
As Jadarian Price shows flashes of brilliance, the Seahawks expect more to come
Raiders name Fernando Mendoza starting QB after trading Kirk Cousins
Giants’ Nabers calls Fox analyst Olsen’s body language critique a ‘lie’
Bills fill major need at safety, trade for Titans’ Amani Hooker
RB Jonathan Taylor, QB Daniel Jones remain with Colts as trade deadline passes
Why the Bengals Pulled the Plug on Trade for Eagles Defender Arnold Ebiketie
