This was my initial thought as well. Let's not overlook the Denver/McDaniels factor at #12. If BB covets a defensive player and rates him as highly elite, odds are McD already knows this. So if BB thinks the Donkeys might be taking his 3-4 guy, he'd have to significantly leapfrog Denver at 12, hence looking at 8/9.
The pick might not be Rey, but I would not be surprised if this move to get up to 8/9 isn't motivated by the fact that BB knows the 3-4 defensive stud he wants is being eyed by Denver as well.
So if Denver is wanting Mauluaga at 12 and BB knows it, and he is the #1 LB on the board for NE by a clear mile, then it makes sense to move up to 8/9 to draft him.