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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 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Offensive Line

The Broncos have a big decision to make this offseason with what they are going to do with Russell Okung, who has proven one of the best bargains in free agency this season. Okung is essentially playing on a one-year contract with a team option for another four-year deal if they feel confident he can be an asset moving forward.

If the Broncos decide to keep Okung, he will cost just under $12 million against the cap starting next season, and while that seems like a high price to pay, this is still an elite player under the age of 30 at a premiere position. Paying market value isn’t something the Broncos will think twice about, especially after what they went through in 2015.

The offensive line actually has some pretty good depth right now, thanks to the addition of Donald Stephenson at the right tackle spot. The Broncos are counting on Ty Sambrailo to develop into a starter-quality player, but he’s struggling early on.

You can never have enough good offensive line depth, so I could see the Broncos looking to upgrade in the mid-late rounds. This need is largely dependent upon whether or not they keep Russell Okung, and I think — hope — they will.

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