The 2026 NFL Draft will feature a crop of linebacker talent the Denver Broncos could target. Following the departure of OLB Dre Greenlaw, and given the already limited depth at the position, it is an area of the squad in need of improvement. The Broncos don’t hold a 1st-round pick this year, so they will have to look at talent later on in the draft. The team will likely focus on bringing in an outside linebacker, but could also look to improve the interior. Here are three options the Broncos could target.
Anthony Hill Jr. is regarded as one of the best linebackers in the draft. At 6″2, 238 lbs, he’s been praised for his athleticism and pass-rushing abilities. He had over 31 tackles for loss and 17 sacks across three seasons at Texas. He reads the game well and can be agile in tight spaces. The Broncos aren’t short pass rush options, with edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper, who both had double-digit sacks last season. But his raw talent and versatility may be enough to persuade the Broncos. He’s projected to go in the early to mid-second round, so the Broncos would need to use their first pick in the entire draft in order to get him.
Kyle Louis (OLB, Pittsburgh)
Kyle Louis can be a different option the Broncos may welcome. He’s on the smaller side for the position, at 6″0, 223 lbs. He’s known for his effectiveness in zone coverage, which the Broncos operated out of 75% of the time last season, and with the previously mentioned strong pass rush, Louis can be a different look in this defence. His speed and innate instincts could take him a long way. His unique ability to keep up with receivers in coverage should alone make him an option the Broncos should consider. He’s projected to be a late-round pick, which is ideal for the Broncos, who hold four picks in the last three rounds.
Harold Perkins Jr. (OLB, LSU)
Harold Perkins Jr. may have the most upside out of anyone in the later rounds. He was a five-star recruit when he arrived at LSU, but he tore his ACL in 2024 and did not have a great 2025 season. What turned around his draft stock was his LSU pro day. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, which made him stand out amongst scouts. Even though he stands 6’0 “, 223 lbs, which is considered small for the position. It doesn’t affect his ability to crash the gaps and be effective on short blitzes, as well as allow him to contain the edge. His size and speed allow him to drop back in coverage. His athleticism has always been there, but his injury concerns, along with his inconsistency in his last season, have turned teams away. If the Broncos are willing to take a chance on a player who can help them in zone and in the pass rush, they could get a very solid option that can have an immediate impact on this contending team.