Drew Sanders, a second-year linebacker, suffered an injury that cost the Denver Broncos a significant portion of their defense.
On May 20, Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver reported that Sanders suffered an Achilles tear while participating in the Broncos off-season program. Although the Denver defense was taken aback, there are several intriguing alternatives.
Veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander was identified by Travis Wakeman of The Sporting News as a guy who “still has something to offer.”
Kwon Alexander has shown himself to be a good fit in Denver on multiple occasions, but the organization has never chosen to go after him. In his May 25 piece, Wakeman stated, “A 2015 fourth-round selection, he has played for five NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.”
Alexander had an Achilles tear in November of last year, just like Sanders. For that reason alone, he is still available. If he is fully healed from that, he ought to be at the top of the list for teams in need of assistance.
Despite approaching thirty, Alexander has had a successful nine-year NFL career. In 2016, the LSU product made his only Pro Bowl debut and led the league with 108 solo tackles.
Alexander has a relationship with Sean Payton because he was the coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2020 to 21.
The 2023 Broncos breakout star was named the “Most Underrated Player.”
The defense will be well-managed whether or not Sanders returns from injury for the Broncos. Jonathan Cooper, a linebacker, made a big splash in 2023, and there’s good reason to think that his career trajectory will keep getting better.
Prior to the 2024 season, Cooper was dubbed Denver’s “most underrated player” by USA Today writer Doug Farrar.
Farrar noted on May 26 that “it all kicked in last season, as Cooper set career highs in sacks (nine) and total pressures (five) on 421 pass-rushing snaps.” “Over time, Cooper consistently demonstrates that he deserves to play more frequently than he does, even when facing the greatest opposition available.”
In order to illustrate Cooper’s development, Farrar cited a pass-rushing play in Week 15 of the previous season against Detroit Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell.
The Broncos could surprise in the AFC West race if Cooper elevates his performance this coming season.
