Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie inside linebacker Levelle Bailey, No. 56.
Before the Broncos: Bailey (6-2, 225 pounds) earned honorable mention All-Mountain West honors as a sophomore, junior and senior from 2020-2022 at Fresno State. Bailey then returned for a fifth year in 2023 and was named a first-team All-Mountain West linebacker. In five seasons with the Bulldogs, Bailey totaled 277 tackles (25.5 behind the line), 22 pass breakups, seven sacks, six interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 58 games.
Broncos tenure: Bailey signed with Denver as a college free agent following the 2024 NFL draft. Broncos coach Sean Payton mentioned “a young guy from Fresno” (Bailey) when discussing the team’s ILB competition this spring.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. The fact that Payton has said Bailey is competing for a spot at ILB has to be a good sign. Jonas Griffith and Cody Barton are believed to be the true contenders at ILB, but Bailey could be a top backup candidate. It will likely be a numbers game for Bailey. If the Broncos carry five ILBs, he could end up on the active roster. Otherwise, Bailey should be a top practice squad candidate.
