Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fourth-year outside linebacker Baron Browning, No. 5.
Before the Broncos: Browning (6-3, 240 pounds) started his college career at Ohio State as an inside linebacker. His best season came as a junior in 2019, totaling 43 tackles, five sacks and one pass breakup. A versatile defender, he moved between inside and outside linebacker. Browning ended his time with the Buckeyes with 110 tackles and seven sacks in four seasons (43 games).
Broncos tenure: Denver picked Browning in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. He started nine games at ILB as a rookie, totaling 58 tackles. Browning moved to OLB in 2022 and posted 24 tackles and five sacks in 14 games (eight starts). Last fall, Browning was healthy for 10 games and recorded 25 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Although Browning has yet to stay healthy for an entire season, he is arguably the team’s best OLB. Entering a contract year, he’ll aim for a breakout season before hitting free agency in 2025. Browning seems like a lock to start in Week 1.
