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Denver Broncos: Assessing top draft needs at first quarter

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers Nate Gerry (25) celebrates during the final moments of the game against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers Nate Gerry (25) celebrates during the final moments of the game against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; North Texas Mean Green running back Jeffrey Wilson (26) runs with the ball as Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) defends during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; North Texas Mean Green running back Jeffrey Wilson (26) runs with the ball as Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) defends during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Defensive Line

The Broncos’ defensive line has not been as strong against the run to start this season as we have seen in recent years. The loss of Malik Jackson and Vance Walker certainly have something to do with that, especially Walker, who was arguably the team’s top run defender a season ago.

While Walker could certainly return to the team after this season and return even stronger than before, the defensive line is a place I could see the Broncos looking to upgrade early on in the draft, as they did this past season with Adam Gotsis in the second round.

Derek Wolfe is under long-term contract, Gotsis has upside as a second round draft choice, and Jared Crick will be around for at least another season. The Broncos have a decision to make in regards to nose tackle Sylvester Williams, a first round pick in 2013.

So far, Elway has retained both of his top selections coming up on expiring deals (Von Miller, Derek Wolfe) and Williams would be the next in line. The team didn’t pick up his 2017 option, so it’ll either be a long-term deal or a change of scenery for him.

Because of the potential moving parts, specifically at nose tackle, the Broncos could look to dip into this year’s crop of defensive linemen.

Florida’s Caleb Brantley is a quick nose tackle with a great frame that could fit Wade Phillips’ scheme very well.

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