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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; 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 /

3. Safety

The Denver Broncos employ a number of three safety formations in this defensive scheme, so re-signing Darian Stewart could be the top priority this offseason. The team drafted Justin Simmons in the third round out of Boston College, and he’s played just two of the three games this season due to a wrist injury.

Simmons has a ton of talent, and as he develops, I think he’ll be a really good player for this team. T.J. Ward is around for another year if the Broncos want him, and we have no reason to believe they don’t, but next year will be a contract year for him and we’ll have to see what the Broncos opt to do with him at that point.

I like Will Parks’ potential in this defense as well, but I can’t ignore the potential that Nebraska safety Nate Gerry has within this defense. Gerry was an instant hit for the Huskers’ defense, starting out his career at linebacker and making the switch to safety.

He hits hard, covers a lot of ground, and is rarely out of position. He’s a fantastic athlete that would fit in really well with this Denver Broncos’ defense, and could be available in the middle rounds.

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