At the combine, Denver met with several high-profile linebacker prospects, aligning with Payton’s stated approach. Notable discussions included Georgia’s CJ Allen, Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, and Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez. The club did not meet with Texas standout Anthony Hill Jr., a development that has drawn scrutiny given Hill’s strong fit and Denver’s first-round considerations in recent drafts.
Analysts and observers noted the Broncos’ aggressive posture in meetings with top LB targets, suggesting a potential plan to address Inside Linebacker depth and versatility. Hill’s absence from Denver’s in-person round of conversations has sparked speculation that Denver may be masking its true draft intentions, possibly to avoid tipping their hand ahead of the May/April evaluation period.
Anthony Hill Jr. is widely projected as a three-down linebacker with rare versatility, combining interior playmaking with coverage ability and pass rush instincts. By contrast, Allen, Styles, and Rodriguez bring a mix of instinctive reads, speed, and playmaking traits that could fit multiple roles in a Payton-coached defense. The Broncos’ discussions indicate a broader data-gathering effort to evaluate how each prospect could contribute as an immediate-impact contributor.
Beyond linebackers, the squad’s draft strategy appears to balance immediate need with cost-effective talent. With veteran situational players facing free agency, Denver could be positioning to reunite college connections or pursue players who offer a strong pro-ready profile on a budget-friendly contract. The overall objective remains clear: upgrade the defense with impactful, affordable talent while preserving flexibility for the rest of the roster.
Broncos staff remains engaged with multiple top LB prospects, and comments from players suggest the meetings were productive. As the combine progresses, Denver’s messaging to the public may continue to emphasize a measured approach to pre-draft contact, even as their actions at the podium and on the field reflect a clear intention to stack depth at linebacker for the upcoming season.
