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Denver Broncos top 2017 free agents and offseason needs

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway looks on before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway looks on before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

In Elway we trust. Here are the top needs for the Broncos this offseason, in order of (my perceived) importance.

1. Right Tackle

The Broncos’ solution these past two seasons at right tackle have been atrocious. Michael Schofield is not the answer. The same goes for Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo, so John Elway is going to have to simply rip off the bandage and sign someone like Ricky Wagner this offseason, someone who is proven a top flight player at the position in this league.

Left tackle will also become a need depending on what the Broncos do with Russell Okung.

2. Right Guard

While Michael Schofield played decent at right guard this season, the one area where free agency is quite strong in terms of the Broncos’ needs this offseason is at guard. They could really look to upgrade both right and left guard, but I think Max Garcia will transition well to the power scheme.

3. Defensive End

The loss of Malik Jackson and injury suffered by Vance Walker proved more detrimental to the Broncos’ defensive front than anticipated. Derek Wolfe also struggled through some injuries this past year.

Adam Gotsis was drafted to eventually be a starter here, but the Broncos don’t have much depth aside from Jared Crick. I think we’ll definitely see them look to make a move or two here.

4. Nose Tackle

With Sylvester Williams’ apparent regression and impending free agency, the Broncos will certainly be looking to upgrade nose tackle this offseason. Kyle Peko is expected to have some sort of impact, but that won’t stop Denver from making a move here.

MUST READ: Denver Broncos top five free agent targets

5. Tight End

Tight end isn’t a desperate need, but everyone’s favorite mock draft pick right now is Alabama’s O.J. Howard, and for good reason. The tight end position in Denver lacks a true difference maker, which John Elway has been searching for since Julius Thomas left for Jacksonville.

6. Wide Receiver

Behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos are actually pretty thin at receiver. There’s some upside from guys like Jordan Taylor and Bennie Fowler, but the Broncos could specifically use someone who specializes in the slot receiver duties.

Hopefully, Cody Latimer can also find a way to emerge in his fourth year with the team.

7. Linebacker

Danny Trevathan was a huge difference maker for the Denver defense that won a title. The Broncos certainly have a good one in Brandon Marshall, but they could look to make a move for Rueben Foster if he falls out of the top 10, or perhaps take Temple’s Haason Reddick at 20 overall.

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