The Denver Broncos are adamant about wanting to build a defense-oriented team under Vic Fangio. With that being said, the Broncos should have some interest in Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison in the 2020 NFL Draft.
When Denver chose to hire Fangio as head coach before the 2019 season, it showed they wanted to return to being a defensive juggernaut. The defense still had Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr., and other pieces to build around for the time being.
At inside linebacker, the Broncos started Todd Davis and A.J. Johnson to command the middle of the defense. Davis has been a mainstay in Denver's defense since he became a starter in 2016. The veteran linebacker has had 114 or more tackles in the past two seasons.
On the other hand, Johnson has supplied Denver with 82 tackles in his first season as a starter. Besides Davis and Johnson, the Broncos were hoping that Josey Jewell would become a starter.
Instead, Jewell has started in only 12 games for the Broncos in his first two seasons. Therefore, Denver could use another inside linebacker heading into the 2020 season.
Since the inside linebacker position isn't a necessity, the Broncos can wait until day two or three in the draft to select one. That is exactly why Harrison from Ohio State should be on Denver's radar during the offseason.
Malik Harrison didn't become a starter for the Buckeyes until his junior season in college. Due to his inexperience, Harrison could fall to the second or third day in the draft next year.
In his two seasons as a starter, Harrison has combined for 150 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks. The versatile linebacker also flashed his coverage ability with eight deflections and an interception since 2018.
At 6-foot-3, nearly 240 pounds, Harrison is the prototypical size for an inside linebacker. The senior linebacker is also athletic enough to play in coverage; which is a must in today's NFL.
The league is trending towards linebackers needing to be capable of covering running backs and tight ends. Harrison has shown enough during his collegiate career to feel comfortable with him contributing against the pass.
If the Broncos do select Malik Harrison, he could become a depth option in his first season with the team. Then, in 2021, he could make the jump to the starting lineup alongside Davis for the foreseeable future.
There's a chance that Malik Harrison can improve his draft stock by performing well at the NFL Combine or his Pro Day. Regardless of his projected draft position, the Broncos should consider selecting Harrison in next year's draft.
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