Welcome back to another installment of Future Broncos. Based on the comments section, a lot of you are wanting the scoop and information on offensive linemen and inside linebackers. I’ll dedicate a spot each to those position groups for Week 6 of the college football season. Here are three prospects to watch.
Elijah Paige — Left Tackle — USC
With Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey getting up there in age, there is good reason fans across Broncos Country want the franchise to invest in the tackle position in the 2027 NFL Draft. There hasn’t been a premium draft day investment there in a decade. Truth be told, Denver’s offensive line certainly could use some long-term additions at multiple spots. They haven’t been playing as well as they have the past two seasons.
One player to watch as the collegiate season continues is USC redshirt junior left tackle Elijah Paige. Paige didn’t play much during his freshman season. However, he started thirteen games for the Trojans at left tackle in 2024. Injuries plagued his 2025 campaign and limited the blindside protector to just seven starts at left tackle. However, was credited with just six quarterback pressures and no sacks last season.
Paige (6’7” and 315 pounds) is regarded as one of the top pass protectors in this year’s draft. He’s got prototypical size and length for the position. I believe #72 is big reason why quarterback Jayden Maiava is playing at a high level this year. However, I do have some concerns. His strength at the point of the attack and technique in the run game needs a lot of work. His athleticism and movement skills stick out in zone runs, but there is certainly room for improvement with gap principles in Lincoln Riley’s offense.
The traits and tools are there. If he can stay healthy and continue to get better in the aforementioned areas, he definitely has first-round potential. You can catch Page in action this evening when the #19 ranked Trojans take on Penn State.
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Offensive lineman Elijah Paige #72 of the USC Trojans reacts before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Offensive lineman Elijah Paige #72 of the USC Trojans reacts before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
ISI Photos via Getty Images
Kam Robinson — Inside Linebacker — Virginia
Thus far, I’ve covered Georgia’s standout Chris Cole and ultra-productive Texas Tech star Ben Roberts at inside linebacker. Those two will be high draft picks next April. Several other linebackers in this class are thought highly of, but Virginia standout Kam Robinson is a prospect who is significantly underrated.
Last season, Robinson was dominant. In eight games, he posted 64 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a safety, as well as 2 interceptions—both of which were returned for touchdowns. He was undoubtedly Virginia’s best defensive player and is a true three-down linebacker at the next level. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in November against Duke and missed the rest of his junior season.
This year, Robinson (6’2”, 239 pounds) is looking to showcase his talents again with a rebound campaign. Even though he has over three hundred career tackles, he is determined to prove to general managers and scouts he can be a long-term starter in the NFL. He missed the season opener recovering from the ACL injury and has eighteen tackles in four games thus far.
He’s one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the country. He does a great job on blitzes getting pressure on the quarterback. He sports the athleticism and range to play sideline-to-sideline, but also shows a good knack for moving downhill, shedding blocks, and making plays near the line of scrimmage. Robinson has been a key cog in the Cavaliers’ special team’s units as well.
Where Robinson ultimately gets drafted will depend on how his medicals check out and his performance the rest of the season. As of now, I’d peg him as a Top 100 pick with a chance to rise significantly if things go well moving forward. You can catch Robinson in action tonight in an ACC matchup when they host Syracuse.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 26: Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Kam Robinson (5) gestures during a college football game between the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and the Virginia Cavaliers on September 26, 2026, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - SEPTEMBER 26: Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Kam Robinson (5) gestures during a college football game between the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and the Virginia Cavaliers on September 26, 2026, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Jelani McDonald — Defensive Back — Texas
Defensive back isn’t a top-tier need for the Broncos just yet. However, it’s important to remind folks cornerbacks Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian are slated to hit free agency, as well as safety Brandon Jones. Second-year player Jahdae Barron will certainly wind up replacing one of the corners. However, adding a defensive back for the long haul seems like a possibility for Denver with their large slate of draft picks.
One of the top defensive backs in this year’s class is Texas standout Jelani McDonald. In a loaded Longhorns secondary, McDonald didn’t make an impact in his freshman season back in 2023 on defense. Though he was a stalwart on their special team’s unit. Since then, McDonald been a key player for Steve Sarkisian’s squad and is considered one of the best defensive backs in the nation.
McDonald (6’2”, 200 pounds) is coming off a junior campaign where he posted 80 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery. In four games thus far, McDonald has 26 tackles and has logged a lot of snaps in the Longhorns’ secondary. He is considered one of their defensive leaders and is routinely praised by the coaching staff for his football intelligence, work ethic, and passion for the game.
Like is former teammate Barron, McDonald has played just about everywhere for the Longhorns. He rarely comes off the field and always appears to be in a position to make a play on the ball. I love his ferocious nature up in the box defending against the run. He lays the wood with his tackling. I’ve also come away equally impressed with the senior’s coverage ability from split-zone looks, inside at nickel, to even his smaller sample size in single-high looks.
He’s just a great prospect that can do it all. While I don’t envision defensive back being a Top 50 consideration for Denver at this juncture, McDonald is a prospect whose prowess in multiple phases and versatility merits early consideration in the ‘27 NFL Draft. Y0u can catch McDonald in action this afternoon when the top-ranked Longhorns take on the Oklahoma Sooners.
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Defensive back Jelani McDonald #4 of the Texas Longhorns raises his arms for the crowd during the college football game between the Texas Longhorns and UTSA Roadrunners on September 19, 2026, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Defensive back Jelani McDonald #4 of the Texas Longhorns raises his arms for the crowd during the college football game between the Texas Longhorns and UTSA Roadrunners on September 19, 2026, at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Comments