Sean Payton says that Jonah Elliss will take some snaps at ILB
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 25: Jonah Elliss #52 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the field during the AFC Championship NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton met with the media this morning and touched on several important topics, including a possible position change. Payton told reporters that edge rusher Jonah Elliss will get some snaps at inside linebacker moving forward.
Sean Payton said Jonah Elliss will take some snaps at ILB 👇 pic. twitter. com/BqXGO6CCsA — DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) March 31, 2026 Elliss, a former third-round pick, has flashed at times at edge rusher, but also has been buried on the depth chart behind starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.
The Broncos also have promising second-year player Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman, so they have plenty of depth at this position. When asked for the reasons for this possible position switch, Payton mentioned Eliss’s skill set, looked at the team’s assets, said he’s smart and tough, and once again highlighted the depth at the edge rusher position. This is an interesting and intriguing move for several reasons.
Elliss would bring some size, athleticism, pass-rush ability, and youth to the Broncos linebacker position. We know defensive coordinator Vance Joseph loves to blitz, so having a player like Elliss play inside could make sense for them. Outside of that, how he looks in space, reading an offense, and possibly in coverage, remains to be seen.
I don’t think he will be completely moved away from edge, but, interestingly, he will be getting some ILB snaps moving forward. I think he is basically taking over the role they envisioned for Drew Sanders. An inside pressure player who has some off-ball linebacker capabilities.