The Denver Broncos have searched for a linebacker who can plug the run aggressively while offering them versatility against the pass.

As the Broncos prepare for the regular season, they believe they have their guy with Jonas Griffith.

Jonas Griffith is ready to be an impact player for the Denver Broncos

Last year the Broncos’ defense struggled with injuries depleting their linebacker unit, prompting for general manager George Paton to find a solution regarding depth.

Little did the team know at the time that their future starter was already on the roster.

Paton traded Jonas Griffith prior to the 2021 regular season mainly for special teams depth, but towards the end of the season, he’d showcase why he can contribute defensively.

Griffith would start the final four games of the regular season for the Broncos after Kenny Young dealt with an injury.

In those four starts, Griffith tallied 40 tackles on defense and displayed good instincts and the ability to stop the run.

Now he enters the 2022 season as the clear-cut favorite to start next to Josey Jewell.

“I always had faith in myself to get to this position,” Griffith said. “I didn’t think it would happen this quick, but I was always ready for it to happen. [I] just stayed prepared and tried to stay ready so when my number was called, I was ready to make a play and show the coaches I was capable.”

Griffith growing more comfortable in defensive role

Heading into this season, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has shown how much he’s trusted Jonas Griffith and Josey Jewell at the linebacker position.

There hasn’t been any sign of competition for the starter job next to Jewell because Griffith has taken every rep possible and has maximized his looks with the defense.

It’s evident that Griffith’s level of comfort with the defense is allowing him to play freely and it should make the Denver defense even better this season.

“Substantially more comfortable,” Griffith said during training camp. “I feel a lot better with the reps with the ones—getting those mental reps during walkthroughs and the reps out here with the guys like [S] Justin Simmons and working with guys like ‘K-Jack’ (S Kareem Jackson). Those guys are amazing, and I think we’re just gelling together just perfectly at the right time.”

Griffith is a key player to watch this upcoming season on the Broncos defense.

The Broncos will wrap up training camp on Thursday with a joint training camp practice with the Dallas Cowboys.