The Denver Broncos slid in just before the trade deadline on Tuesday, agreeing to a deal within the division to acquire Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley for a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2028.
The move came as a bit of a shock as Henley was not a name mentioned as being available as the deadline approached, and the Broncos were rumored to be looking at upgrades at running back and tight end. Still, a new piece at what was the weakest position group heading into the season is a move Broncos Country should be cheering.
It comes as the team enters its bye week, giving the Broncos time to get Henley acclimated and ready to help them make a strong playoff push in the second half of this season. So, how did the team do
with this move? We all have our own opinions, but let's see what the experts thought of it.
Experts grade Broncos' trade for LB Daiyan Henley
Zachary Pereles, CBS Sports: A-
"The Broncos quietly made a helpful deal, acquiring Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley for a couple of mid-round picks," Pereles wrote for CBS. Henley has plateaued a bit the past couple of seasons after a strong start, but he's an impressive athlete who could benefit from a change of scenery. Vance Joseph has gotten the most out of lots of players, and Henley has the tools to be next in line."
Cameron Willey, Yahoo Sports: B+
"In their only move at the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Chargers sent linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Broncos in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick," Willey wrote for Yahoo. "Denver needed someone to pair with Alex Singleton, and they've seemingly found that.
"Henley is in the final year of his rookie contract. In eight games, he's logged 21 solo tackles, 51 total, one interception, and two passes defensed. While he's not exactly on pace for his best season, the state of the 0-8 Chargers may be a part of that.
"The Broncos have one of the top defenses in the NFL, and adding a player with Henley's upside is only a benefit. He's 26 years old, looking for a change of scenery with a playoff contender, and aiming for a new contract. For two late-round picks, this is a great move for Denver."
Moe Moton, Bleacher Report: B+
"Daiyan Henley is in the final year of his rookie deal, and he's having a solid season so far, logging 51 tackles (two for loss), two pass breakups and an interception," Moton wrote for Bleacher Report. "The 26-year-old is an athletic inside linebacker who's allowing a 79 passer rating, which is important given Denver's needs.
"The Broncos' 24th-ranked pass defense needed stronger pass coverage in the middle of the field, as it's been susceptible to pass-catching tight ends. In Denver, Henley will likely start with his three-down skill set. He's allowed just two touchdowns in coverage in 56 games (41 starts).
"The Chargers gave in to trade inquiries and received fair compensation for a solid defender who may have signed elsewhere in free agency next offseason. Still, it'll be tough for the team to see a player it drafted flourish within the division. The Broncos shored up a weak spot in their otherwise stout, stingy defense."
Ben Solak/Seth Walder, ESPN: C+
"It's an interesting deal because linebacker did not look like a particular need for Denver. Alex Singleton leads all linebackers in run stop win rate this season and Justin Strnad is a good coverage player. Henley's numbers are OK this season. He ranks in the 46th percentile and has allowed 0.9 yards per coverage snap (average for the position) per NFL Next Gen Stats.
"I think it's reasonable for Denver to be adding at the deadline, but this is not trivial draft capital to give up for a player who is going to provide depth or be part of a rotation.
"On the other hand, Denver does have a decent chance to recoup a compensatory pick if Henley walks, with both Singleton and Strnad signed into 2027 or later (though Singleton will turn 33 next month)."
From those four summaries, the Broncos' report card for this move averages out to a strong B grade. That's a solid move in the final hour or so before the deadline.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL experts grade Broncos’ trade for linebacker Daiyan Henley
