LB Littleton would be good fit for Denver … but for other teams, too
EDITOR’S NOTE: In Part 3 of the Broncos’ free-agent forecast, a look at inside linebacker Cory Littleton. Part 1: WR Amari Cooper. Part 2: G Joe Thuney.
The Broncos had a chance to solve their inside linebacker issue in last year’s draft but passed on Michigan’s Devin Bush in order to trade down 10 spots in the first round. Another opportunity will present itself when free agency opens next week in the form of the Los Angeles Rams’ Cory Littleton.
The Rams’ leading tackler in 2018-19 (259 total stops), Littleton rose from undrafted free agent to special teams core player to standout linebacker on the cusp of a huge contract.
“He’s truly a complete player,” Rams coach Sean McVay said of Littleton in December. “He’s great in coverage, he can tackle, he can go sideline-to-sideline, you can utilize him as a (pass) rusher where you get him in good matchups.
“He attacks the football. … He’s definitely earned the right to be mentioned amongst some of the best inside linebackers in this league.”
The Broncos picked up Todd Davis’ contract option, but he has only $500,000 in guaranteed salary. It is believed they would have been interested in Carolina’s Shaq Thompson before he signed a four-year, $54.16 million extension with the Panthers.
Following is a closer look at Littleton:
About Littleton
Age: 26.
Height 6-foot-3
Weight: 228 pounds. Background: Made 56 tackles in first two years (five starts in 32 games). … Took over as start
er in 2018 when Alec Ogletree was traded to New York Giants. … Led Rams in tackles in 2018-19 (125 and 134, respectively). … Named to Pro Bowl in 2018, but didn’t play because Rams were in Super Bowl. … Has 8½ sacks, six interceptions and 26 total pass break-ups. … Made team-high 29 tackles in Rams’ three 2018 postseason games, including interception in Super Bowl loss to New England. … Made $3.095 million in 2019.
Games watched: January 2019 NFC title game at New Orleans (12 tackles in 26-23 overtime win), Week 1 at Carolina (14 tackles in 30-27 win) and Week 6 vs. San Francisco (14 tackles in 20-7 loss).
Game notes
At New Orleans: Was “factor” (involved in the play via tackle or coverage) on 13 of 67 snaps. … On second drive, worked through traffic for tackle (one-yard gain) and showed speed to stop running back Alvin Kamara on third down to force a field goal. … Played a ton of coverage and Kamara had advantage on several routes when Littleton played inside leverage and/ or was flat-footed. … The Rams started to chip Kamara (via an edge rusher) to help Littleton in the second half. … In zone coverage, lost receiver Michael Thomas on shallow cross when eyes were stuck in backfield. … What stood out positively was Littleton’s athleticism. He covers a lot of ground quickly and delivers a big hit. … Won plays while covering running backs, fullbacks, tight ends and receivers, showing good versatility.
At Carolina: In the 2019 opener, was “factor” in 20 of 66 snaps. … Impactful performance started on first drive. Deflected Cam Newton’s pass, but got bad luck (went right to Christian McCaffrey). And, after retreating in middle zone coverage, dashed to sideline to force and recover fumble. … Dodged right guard Trai Turner to make tackle in run game. … Moved horizontally through traffic to tackle McCaffrey for three-yard gain. … Good fortune while covering tight end Greg Olsen down the seam — Newton’s pass hit Littleton in back. … Intercepted Newton pass when in zone coverage and read eyes to cut in front of receiver. … One missed tackle.
San Francisco: In a game 49ers flexed muscles to rest of league, Littleton was “factor” on 17 of 77 snaps. … A relatively quiet game despite being credited with 14 tackles. … In zone coverage, dropped Jimmy Garoppolo pass that would have been interception returned for 54-yard touchdown. … Recovered fumble. … Was in zone coverage, but charged forward for sack when Garoppolo left pocket; play was negated by Rams penalty. … 49ers ran plenty of multi-tight end personnel, which put Littleton as an on-the-ball outside linebacker on several snaps.
Case for signing …
Littleton could play the same role that Roquan Smith did in Vic Fangio’s defense for Chicago in 2018 — an every-down, sidelineto-sideline player who would allow Fangio to run more of his preferred pressures and coverages. Playing in a division with Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, Oakland tight end Darren Waller and Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, Littleton would be a solid addition.
Case against signing …
Spotrac estimates Littleton’s value at four years and $48.9 million, which may be too much for the Broncos’ liking, especially if suitors like Las Vegas and Jacksonville drive the price up. Also, for Littleton’s reputation in coverage and as a blitzer, didn’t do either very well in the three games we charted.
Thursday: Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon.
Footnotes. The Broncos were awarded three compensatory draft picks by the NFL on Tuesday, giving them 11 total selections in next month’s draft.
The Broncos were given a fifth-rounder (No. 178) and two seventh-round selections (Nos. 252 and 254). Thirty-two compensatory picks are distributed to teams each year based on a formula based on last year’s free agency and the players (in quality and/or quantity) a team loses. The Broncos lost Shaq Barrett, Tramaine Brock, Max Garcia, Matt Paradis, Bradley Roby and Billy Turner and added Bryce Callahan, Kareem Jackson and Ja’Wuan James.
The Broncos have five picks in the first three rounds.