Sean Payton says that Jonah Elliss will take some snaps at ILB
· Yahoo Sports
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton met with the media this morning and touched on several important topics, including a possible position change. Payton told reporters that edge rusher Jonah Elliss will get some snaps at inside linebacker moving forward.
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Sean Payton said Jonah Elliss will take some snaps at ILB 👇 pic.twitter.com/BqXGO6CCsA
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Elliss, a former third-round pick, has flashed at times at edge rusher, but also has been buried on the depth chart behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. The Broncos also have promising second-year player Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman, so they have plenty of depth at this position.
When asked for the reasons for this possible position switch, Payton mentioned Eliss’s skill set, looked at the team’s assets, said he’s smart and tough, and once again highlighted the depth at the edge rusher position.
This is an interesting and intriguing move for several reasons. Elliss would bring some size, athleticism, pass-rush ability, and youth to the Broncos linebacker position. We know defensive coordinator Vance Joseph loves to blitz, so having a player like Elliss play inside could make sense for them. Outside of that, how he looks in space, reading an offense, and possibly in coverage, remains to be seen. I don’t think he will be completely moved away from edge, but, interestingly, he will be getting some ILB snaps moving forward. I think he is basically taking over the role they envisioned for Drew Sanders. An inside pressure player who has some off-ball linebacker capabilities.
With Elliss getting more ILB snaps, I think we will see 2025 rookie Que Robinson become a larger part of the Broncos’ pass rush rotation. He was a developmental but very athletic edge rushing prospect coming into the draft, and flashed a lot of that potential in limited action last season. I would not be surprised to see Robinson continue that development moving forward and become a bigger and more productive part of the Broncos’ pass rush rotation.
Moving forward, we have to wonder if this removes the Broncos from the linebacker discussion in the draft? Also, does it leave the door open for the Broncos to add to their edge room? Another upside draft pick (can never have enough edge rushers) or maybe a reunion with say, Cam Jordan or Von Miller? This is all speculation on my part, but something to consider moving forward.
How this all plays out will be interesting moving forward, and one of the bigger storylines this offseason.