Josey Jewell’s optimism for the Broncos’ inside linebackers group was glowing.
“I think itap the deepest we’ve had,” he said. “A lot of guys can step in and play.”
Jewell’s confidence is understandable given the chemistry he’s developed with Alex Singleton and the flashes rookie Drew Sanders has shown early in camp, including when he clotheslined wide receiver Michael Bandy last week.
Even after inside linebacker Jonas Griffith suffered a season-ending torn ACL, the expectations for the inside linebackers have stayed the same because of Sanders, a freakish athlete with star potential, and the inseparable duo of Jewell and Singleton.
“Before Jonas went out, it was great, and itap still great,” Singleton said. “Guys are playing fast (and) taking bigger roles, which is good.”
Going into training camp, Denver’s inside linebacker room looked like one of the defense’s biggest strengths. In 2022, Jewell recorded a career-best 128 tackles while Singleton, who signed a three-year deal in March, tallied the fifth-most tackles in the league with 163.
In the draft, the Broncos selected Sanders in the third round, and he has done nothing but impress since arriving in Denver.
“(Sanders) is a freak,” Singleton said. “He’s strong, fast (and) physical.”
Freak is the right word to describe Sanders, who also has experience playing outside linebacker. He has a unique athleticism that allows him to play all over the field. During training camp, he has rushed the passer and dropped back in coverage to defend tight ends and even wide receivers.
On Wednesday, he managed to keep up with wide receiver Kendall Hinton and deflect a pass attempt from quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
There is a learning curve that comes being in a rookie in the NFL, but Broncos coach Sean Payton said he’s been pleased with the Arkansas product’s development.
“He’s going to be someone that does a lot of things for us,” Payton said. “We see him certainly getting reps in the kicking game. I’ve been encouraged.”
Even though Sanders’ performance at training camp provides hope the Broncos can weather losing Griffith, his presence also hovers over Jewell’s future with the franchise. The veteran is in the final year of his contract, with Sanders a potential replacement down the road. For now, Jewell said his focus is on the present.
“I don’t care about that stuff,” Jewell said. “I’m still here, playing my butt off and giving them all I got. It doesn’t matter what happens. (Itap) whatever they want to do.”
Jewell hasn’t let his uncertain future impact the chemistry among the other inside linebackers, which he believes will be a source of their success this season. He said the group is close, as they constantly spend time with each other.
“We got out to eat dinner and (visit) each other’s houses,” Jewell said. “Itap a fun group.”
Jewell’s chemistry with Singleton, in particular, is noticeable. They always walk out together at the start of practice and stand side-by-side on the sideline.
Last training camp, Jewell and Singleton didn’t play a ton of reps together. But during the regular season, they began to spend more time on the field after Griffith missed the final nine games of 2022 with a broken bone at the top of his foot.
They’ve embraced the opportunity to grow their relationship even more this offseason.
“We had chemistry even without playing together and just stepping into games,” Singleton said. “Itap the best pairing I’ve ever had. We work well together, and every day we keep getting better.”
