Broncos Eyeing Linebacker Shift With Jonah Elliss Move

Payton says Elliss' transition from edge rusher to inside linebacker could impact Denver's draft strategy.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion of a linebacker making a tackle, with sharp geometric planes in muted earth tones conveying the strategic shift in Denver's defense.Jonah Elliss' position change adds strategic depth to the Broncos' linebacker corps ahead of the NFL Draft.Denver Today

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton revealed that the team's plan to transition linebacker Jonah Elliss from edge rusher to inside linebacker could influence their approach to the upcoming NFL Draft. Payton suggested the Broncos may be less inclined to target a linebacker early if they feel confident in Elliss' ability to handle the position change and push for playing time alongside Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.

Why it matters

The Broncos have a solid core of linebackers, but Elliss' move could give them more flexibility in the draft to address other needs if they feel he can step up at the inside linebacker spot. This strategic decision could have a ripple effect on how the team approaches the draft and which prospects they target.

The details

Payton confirmed the Broncos' plan to move Elliss, a former edge rusher, to inside linebacker. The coach suggested this change could impact the team's draft strategy, as the Broncos may be less inclined to target a linebacker early if they believe Elliss can handle the position switch and push for playing time alongside Singleton and Strnad, who were both re-signed this offseason.

  • Payton discussed Elliss' position change during his pre-draft press conference on April 17, 2026.
  • The Broncos are scheduled to make their first 2026 draft selection at No. 62 overall in the second round.

The players

Jonah Elliss

A linebacker who has played primarily as an edge rusher in his first two NFL seasons with the Broncos, but is now transitioning to inside linebacker.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who confirmed Elliss' position change and discussed how it could impact the team's draft strategy.

Alex Singleton

A linebacker for the Broncos who was re-signed this offseason and is expected to be a presumed starter at the inside linebacker position.

Justin Strnad

A linebacker for the Broncos who was re-signed this offseason and is expected to be a presumed starter at the inside linebacker position.

Vance Joseph

The defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, who will oversee Elliss' transition to inside linebacker.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it can. There are probably a little bit more inside backers than what we are used to. There is certainly good video tape on a number of guys. That position has changed over the years where you are finding guys who are moving from safety to that position or from an edge position back. There are certainly some players that are playing that position well at the college level, but that is one option. I mentioned that because he has those traits and it starts with just being a good football player. We are always trying to get our best players on the field. Does that impact how we draft or is it vice versa? That would be the six-million-dollar question. I think it's a little bit of both.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

“You're going to see Elliss take some snaps inside. That is something that we have discussed relative to our depth at the edge. Then we will see where that goes during the draft.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos

What’s next

The Broncos will continue to evaluate their options at linebacker during the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold the 62nd overall pick in the second round. Their decision on whether to target a linebacker early or rely more on Elliss' position change could have a significant impact on their draft strategy.

The takeaway

Jonah Elliss' transition from edge rusher to inside linebacker gives the Broncos more flexibility in the draft, as they may be less inclined to prioritize the linebacker position if they believe Elliss can step up and challenge for playing time alongside their current starters. This strategic decision could allow Denver to address other needs early in the draft while still bolstering their linebacker corps.