The Denver Broncos added inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency with the hope could be a transformative force for their defense. Alas, Greenlaw has suffered from lingering issues since training camp and has yet to make an appearance on the field this season. On top of that, veteran Alex Singleton has struggled to start off their 2025 campaign and looks a step slower a year removed from an ACL tear.
While the Broncos do have an intriguing group of former UDFA linebackers in Karene Reid, Levelle
Bailey, and Jordan Turner, the Broncos haven’t bothered to draft and develop a true inside linebacker for quite some time. Though they selected Drew Sanders several years ago in the third round, he has failed to stay healthy, endured numerous position switches, and can’t be relied upon as a potential long-term solution at the position given those concerns.
With five selections in the top four rounds, the Broncos have plenty of draft day ammunition to address multiple needs. Considering the above, I believe it would be wise for them to finally try and find a long-term fixture at the position. Fortunately, this year’s group of prospects at the position appears to have star power, as well as quality depth. I’ll give a breakdown of two of my favorite prospects but also give an honorable mention of players who could very well be early picks come April.
Anthony Hill Jr. — Linebacker — Texas
Over the past few years, the Broncos have added a handful of former Texas Longhorns defenders to their team. Currently, they have four on their defense right now. And wouldn’t you know it, the premier off-ball prospect in this year’s class happens to be from there as well. That’s Texas standout Anthony Hill Jr., who arguably one of the best linebacker prospects we have seen in quite some time.
A top recruit who had dozens of offers from the nation’s top programs, Hill earned co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors after posting 67 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in 14 games in 2023. During his 2024 season, he posted 107 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 interception, 1fumble recovery and 4 forced fumbles over 16 games. Three games this season, the SEC junior has 14 tackles and two forced fumbles on the season.
At 6’3″ and 235 pounds with a 40-yard time in the 4.5’s, Hill’s size and athleticism hit the mark for what teams covet at the position. The traits are outstanding, but what is even better is that they have translated to production on the field. Whether it’s stuffing the run, covering the pass, or even going downhill as a blitzer, Hill certainly has tremendous talent and the ability to be a top linebacker in the NFL. He is the absolute definition of a playmaker.
I highly doubt he will return to school and is poised to be an early declaration. He should wind up being a Top 20 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Broncos Country is hoping the Broncos are picking later than that, but if Hill is within striking distance during the first round, it certainly wouldn’t surprise me if he was high on Denver’s draft wish list. He’s an immediate impact player. And guess what? Denver needs one at the position.
Taurean York — Linebacker — Texas A&M
There were a handful of different linebackers I could have chosen for my second prospect to discuss. After a little debate, I opted to go with someone who is flying under the radar compared to some others in this year’s class. That’s Texas A&M junior Taurean York. So, I guess this week’s Future Broncos is a “best of Texas” showcase of Lone Star state prospects.
While Hill was a top-tier prospect coming out of high school, York was a relative after thought in the recruiting process and garnered only a handful of offers from well-known schools. At 5’11 and 235 pounds, York may be a little shorter than preferred at the position. However, he makes up for the lack of size with incredible intangibles. Aggies Defensive Coordinator Jay Bateman often raves about York’s football intelligence, leadership, and how he has continued to over the past several seasons.
The tape bears that out, showcasing a player that is rarely out of position defending the run. He is top-notch tackler who has the physicality to devastate opposing ball carriers. Moreover, York has posted some of the most run stops of any linebacker in college football the past two seasons. He had a sensational freshman season in the SEC in ’23 with 74 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He followed that up with a successful sophomore year with 82 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Thus far in ’25, he has 17 tackles through three games.
This year’s class has a lot of depth and versatility. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see York end up going a little bit later than one would think given his production. My biggest concern with him is lack of plays in coverage. Nevertheless, I feel his body of work merits consideration on Day 2 of the draft and expect him to come off the board in the Top 100 picks.
Other Top Prospects to Watch:
- Harold Perkins Jr. — LSU
- CJ Allen — Georgia
- Sonny Styles — Ohio State
- Deontae Lawson — Alabama
- Arvell Reese — Ohio State
- Suntarine Perkins — Ole Miss
- Lander Barton — Utah
