March 23, 2026, 5:30 a.m. MT

As things begin to quiet down on the free agency front, the attention of fans and front offices begins a major shift to the NFL draft, which is scheduled to be held from April 23-25.

After the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Denver Broncos are staring at seven picks over three days, their first being a Round 2 selection (62nd overall). Now, it seems Denver is looking for depth over starters, although there is a possibility they could find late-round gems who become starters.

One of the biggest remaining positions of need Denver is facing is at linebacker, specifically inside linebacker. After re-signing both Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton while releasing veteran Dre Greenlaw, Denver could look to bolster their defense in the middle of the field.

At least, that’s what NFL insider Field Yates believes Denver should do.

“A guy who I do think has a chance to be available (at 62nd overall) is Josiah Trotter, a linebacker from Missouri,” Yates told Mina Kimes. “Son of longtime NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who has some elements of his father’s game in his skill set. He is a very rugged, tough, hard-nosed, downhill linebacker who, this past season at Missouri, really blossomed and put himself onto the radar.”

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You can view Yate’s full thoughts below.

Trotter (6-2, 237 pounds) was a redshirt sophomore who played at both West Virginia and Missouri, making 176 total tackles (79 solo, 97 assisted), 17 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and three pass deflections. Trotter’s NFL combine profile likens him to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Nick Bolton, who Denver sees twice a year.

Trotter could provide some depth to a position the Broncos had trouble keeping on the field due to injuries last season. Although Trotter is coming off a 2025 knee surgery, he is sound in his techniques, perhaps thanks in part to a father who played at the highest level.

Right now, the Broncos are set to make their first pick on Day 2. If that fact remains true a month from now is anyone’s guess, because more trades could be on the way.

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