Mile High Report
Kansas Jayhawks linebacker JB Brown was extremely productive in his two years in the Big 12. What role will he have with the Denver Broncos in 2025?
The core four at inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos consists of Dre Greenlaw, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, and Drew Sanders.
It’s a talented group of players, but the key concern is health. Outside of them, second-year pro Levelle Bailey and undrafted rookies Jordan Turner and Karene Reid are also in the mix fighting for a potential roster sport. But a third UDFA is also hoping to realize his dream of making the roster—Kansas Jayhawks linebacker JB Brown.
Brown started his collegiate career at Bowling Green and played there for three seasons. After a breakout 2022 junior campaign where he posted 53 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and made the jump from the MAC to Big 12 landing with the Jayhawks.
Over his final two seasons, he was a big-time playmaker for their defense. In 25 games of Big 12 action, Brown saw a significant uptick in production. He racked up 131 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. He would finish his five-year collegiate career appearing in 55 games with 206 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
Brown was more productive going against better competition in college, but what will it take for him to secure a spot on Denver’s final 53-man roster? Let’s discuss.
Age: 24 | Experience: Rookie | College: Kanas | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 225 pounds
Arm Length: 32-1/4” | Hand Size: 8-7/8” | Broad: 9’9” | Vertical: 33-1/2” | Bench: 20 reps
40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.32 seconds | 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.53 seconds
The Broncos awarded Brown with a $10,000 signing bonus and another $150,000 in guarantees to sway him to the Mile High City. He is one player I’m definitely excited to hear about over the course of training camp.
In the Jayhawks’ defense, he spent a lot of time playing on the outside in their linebacking alignments. With the Broncos, he will be an inside linebacker in Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense. From what I saw, he was deployed a lot as a blitzer and quite effective in that respect. I can envision Joseph designating him as a potential ‘pressure player’ in certain packages much like they have with Drew Sanders.
Additionally, even though he is a bit light, he shows quality ability to shed off blocks and disengage from opposing offensive lineman. His long arms that help with that and he knows how to use that length to his advantage. Though adding strength and weight to his frame would be ideal as he navigates the advanced rigors of the NFL.
I didn’t see a lot of work with him in man coverage down the field, but when tasked to drop back in zone...
