Broncos' first-round pick is crystal clear following release of Dre Greenlaw

The Denver Broncos have not signed a single player from outside the organization since the start of the legal tampering period on Monday, but the team has made significant news with its own players at the inside linebacker position. 

After agreeing to terms to bring back both Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton, the Broncos made the somewhat surprising decision to release linebacker Dre Greenlaw on Monday. One of last year's big signings, Greenlaw is out after just one season, mostly due to his inability to stay healthy.

With that, the Broncos' starting linebackers heading into the 2026 season are Singleton and Strnad. If that sounds underwhelming, it's because it is. 

Broncos have clear first-round target in 2026 NFL Draft

There is one player who has come up in multiple mock drafts for the Broncos this offseason, and now, he should come up even more. That player is Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. 

CJ Allen 🤔🤔🤔pic.twitter.com/1WO9KerNmZ https://t.co/Ll3ADMRxST

There is going to be a question as to whether or not he will still be on the board at No. 30 in the first round, but if he is, he is a no-brainer pick for this team. The only argument that could be made against it would be if Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq dropped down that far, but that seems entirely unlikely following his performance at the scouting combine. 

Allen is an aggressive defender who attacks the ball carrier, is a great tackler and can drop back into coverage and keep up with running backs and tight ends in the passing game. He is a supreme athlete who was a consensus choice as an All-American last season. 

HOT READ: Grading Broncos' decision to release linebacker Dre Greenlaw

In three years with the Bulldogs, all as a starter, he racked up over 200 tackles and had 4.5 sacks. Broncos fans should become familiar with his game as he is the no-doubt pick this team should make should the chance present itself. 

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