Denver Broncos: Assessing top draft needs at first quarter

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 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tight End

At this point next season, Virgil Green will be in the final year of a three-year deal he signed last March. Jeff Heuerman — to this point — has been mostly an unknown.

While the Broncos certainly like the potential they have with Green and Heuerman, this is an area that if a top flight player like an O.J. Howard of Alabama is available in the first round, you might think long and hard about selecting him.

Jake Butt of Michigan is another player that has proven himself a dynamic threat at the position, and could potentially be available in the first or second round for the Broncos.

One way or another, I think the Broncos will look to upgrade this position in the offseason. Virgil Green is a valuable player for this team and Heuerman has potential, but there’s going to be some really good players available in this class and the Broncos should look to take advantage of that depth.

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