Broncos roster 2016: Inside linebacker Frank Shannon

It's that time of the year again. Mile High Report begins our annual 90 players in 90 days roster breakdown. Last year went fairly well, but starting today and through August 27th, we'll break down every player on the Denver Broncos roster.

Name: Frank Shannon
Position: Inside Linebacker
Height: 6'1"   Weight: 229
Age: 23   Experience: R
College: Oklahoma

The 2016 NFL Draft came and went without former Oklahoma linebacker Frank Shannon's name being called.

This now meant that Shannon was considered an undrafted free agent, and could sign with any of the 32 teams if/when they begin showing interest in the players services.

One name that came calling that may have a need at Inside Linebacker was the defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos.

A day after the 2016 NFL Draft concluded, Shannon was among the 20+ players the Denver Broncos signed as undrafted free agents.

Shannon played three total seasons at Oklahoma and put up some solid numbers while there. During his three-year career, he totaled 179 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble. This past season he totaled 47 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception.

You can't tell Shannon's story without talking about why he missed the 2014 college football season. Shannon was suspended for one-year because he was accused of sexually assaulting a female at an off-campus apartment back in January of 2014.

Shannon was never charged with the crime and maintained his innocence , but after an investigation by the school, they decided to suspend him for the 2014 season.

He did return to the school in 2015 season and started the season out as a backup, but started getting more playing time as the season went on.

Shannon declined to attend the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine in February but did participate in Oklahoma's Pro-Day in March. During his Pro-Day he ran two 40-times of 4.74 and 4.76, a Broad Jump of 10-2, a vertical of 39.0 inches, put up 20 reps on the bench press, and ran the 20-Yard Shuttle 7.48 seconds.

Now Shannon will compete for a roster spot or a spot on the Broncos 10-man Practice Squad. He'll be competing with Todd Davis, Corey Nelson, and Zaire Anderson for that roster spot at Inside Linebacker.

The good:

Shannon has an opportunity to crack the Denver Broncos 53-man roster. After starter Brandon Marshall, everything is up in the air at this moment.

Todd Davis seems like he'll take over the other starting role but first, has to earn it this summer. After him comes Corey Nelson and Zaire Anderson. I think Nelson makes the team, but Shannon could be fighting Anderson for a roster spot this summer.

Shannon has talent, he was the team's leading tackler back in 2013 prior to his suspension and started to show that talent again last season. So the Broncos may have found themselves a steal because of his off the field issues and lack of playing time recently.

The bad:

Obviously being suspended for one-year for a sexual assault accusation is never good. He was never charged, but still not a great look.

Hopefully, he will turn his life around after this incident and will have no off the field issues in the future. However, knowing his past does make you concerned about his future.

As for his playing skills, I couldn't find much on him to accurately point out his flaws.

Roster Status:

Probably on the outside looking in, but could surprise during camp and the preseason. I think he's battling Zaire Anderson for a roster spot, but mostly likely auditioning for a spot on the Practice Squad.

I'm anxious to hear about him during Camp and the Preseason, though. Like I said, the talent is there so maybe he is an offseason surprise.