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Denver Broncos 2018 NFL Draft and free agency needs

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 27-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos throws a pass during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 27-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 17: Max Garcia #73 of the Denver Broncos begins to celebrate and tries to get the crowd to get loud in the fourth quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 17: Max Garcia #73 of the Denver Broncos begins to celebrate and tries to get the crowd to get loud in the fourth quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 17, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

3. Left Guard

Current players under contract (all guards): Ron Leary, Max Garcia, Connor McGovern, J.J. Dielman, Jeremiah Poutasi

Impending Free Agents: Allen Barbre (UFA), Billy Turner (UFA)

The Broncos could be looking to upgrade the left guard position, which has been held down the past three seasons by former draft pick Max Garcia, a fourth rounder in 2015.

Garcia has had some good games, and some not so good games. Unfortunately, the latter has become far too consistent. The Broncos may look at this year’s draft and free agency class and see a huge opportunity to at least give Garcia significant competition this offseason.

One of the best guards on the free agent market is Andrew Norwell of the Carolina Panthers, and he should command a deal north of $10 million per season. In addition to Norwell, old friend Ben Garland has really blossomed with the Atlanta Falcons on the interior offensive line, but could be a better fit in a zone scheme.

In the draft, arguably the best prospect in the entire class is left guard Quenton Nelson, a Notre Dame All-American who is expected to be a top 10 player. The Broncos also have a connection with new guard/center coach Sean Kugler and UTEP’s Will Hernandez, one of the most physically imposing players in the draft at left guard.

What will the Broncos do?

I love the idea of the Broncos doubling up on linemen in this draft and taking a tackle/guard in the first three rounds. This class of players is definitely the one to do that with.

I also love the idea of the Broncos spending big money on Andrew Norwell if they are going to take a quarterback early on in the draft. Invest in your highest draft picks. Norwell would help greatly with the development of Garett Bolles on the left side, and Ron Leary would be a huge help for whoever the Broncos go with at right tackle.

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