Denver Broncos 2017 NFL Draft Primer

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Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) pass rushes at Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Ravens 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Needs

1. Left Tackle

I will give the Broncos the benefit of the doubt here, and say that they effectively filled every other need on their offensive line. Signing Ronald Leary to start at left guard and Menelik Watson at right tackle means that Max Garcia is likely to start at right guard, with Matt Paradis at the center position.

That leaves arguably the most important position on the offensive line — the left tackle position — wide open. At this point, it could be in-house candidates Ty Sambrailo or Donald Stephenson, or another free agent who is not yet with the team, or a draft pick.

John Elway has repeatedly talked about not wanting to go into the draft with any glaring needs. This would classify as a glaring need in my opinion, but the coaching staff might be higher on Stephenson and Sambrailo than any of us. Sambrailo did play pretty well at left tackle as a rookie before the injury bug bit him repeatedly.

2. Tight End

The Broncos have some guys at tight end that will be good role players, but they need a game changer. That’s why they traded for Vernon Davis two seasons ago, and it’s why they traded for A.J. Derby this past year.

Derby is still in the mix, as well as 2015 third round pick Jeff Heuerman who flashed this past year. The Broncos also have veteran Virgil Green, who is entering the final year of a three-year contract he signed in the 2015 offseason.

I think if the Broncos can get a dynamic player at this position, it will elevate the play of everyone else offensively. They have been seriously lacking a legit third option in the passing game.

3. Return Specialist

Special teams can change the course of a game. The Broncos know that all too well. Whether they were dropping punts or screwing up on punt coverage, or getting bad field position on kick returns, the Broncos have seen it all.

They are seemingly the most unlucky team in the NFL when it comes to the return game, and enough is enough. The Broncos need to find someone who is a top flight kick and punt returner. Maybe they need to find two different guys.

I don’t know what the ultimate solution is, but they need to fix this issue promptly.

4. Slot Receiver

Cody Latimer hasn’t been working out as a former second round selection. The Broncos need a true slot receiver that understands how to beat all different types of coverages. They need someone that can win on third downs and in the red zone, someone with strong hands and quick feet.

5. Nose Tackle

The Broncos signed Domata Peko this offseason, and his young cousin Kyle Peko flashed at times this past year. Free agent pickup Zach Kerr can also move over and play some nose, but the Broncos could use some competition here.

6. Cornerback

With the departure of Kayvon Webster, the Broncos need another infusion of youth at the cornerback position. Webster was also one of the team’s best special teams players. The Broncos also are looking to the future here with Aqib Talib entering his age 31 season.

7. Edge Rusher

The Broncos signed Kasim Edebali to fortify their edge position with the departure/retirement of DeMarcus Ware, but they may not have Shaquil Barrett much longer, and the depth behind those guys is pretty thin. You can never have too many pass rushers.

8. Linebacker

The Broncos lost Danny Trevathan last year, and the jury is still out whether the guys they have signed/drafted in the past are going to prove capable of replacing him. Todd Davis was re-signed, and Brandon Marshall is one of the best in the league at his position. Behind them are Corey Nelson and Zaire Anderson.

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