Denver Broncos 2018 NFL Draft needs and offseason priorities

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Emmanuel Sanders #10 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch defended by Kenny Moore #42 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: Emmanuel Sanders #10 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch defended by Kenny Moore #42 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Rest

It’s possible the Broncos could create needs by making some (necessary) roster moves. There are some young players that could be penciled in to step into bigger roles, but here are some other positions that could use addressing this offseason. These are less of needs, and more ‘areas to upgrade’.

Wide Receiver

If Emmanuel Sanders and/or Demaryius Thomas are let go, this position becomes a clear area of focus. The Broncos also have impending free agents in Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler. If Sanders/Thomas are moved, this position would obviously require some attention, even with Carlos Henderson coming off of IR.

Running Back

The Broncos’ top three right now include C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, and De’Angelo Henderson. They could stick with that trio for next season, or they could move Anderson and draft another player in a deep running back class.

Tight End

The Broncos are possibly (probably) going to lose Virgil Green to free agency, but will the return of Jake Butt off IR be enough to keep the front office at ease with their depth here?

Jeff Heuerman, Butt, Austin Traylor, and Matt LaCosse remain options.

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Defensive Back

The Broncos may be trading/cutting Aqib Talib, which would open up the discussion for what should be done at corner. 2017 third round pick Brendan Langley would be a logical replacement option, but he was surpassed on the depth chart last year by undrafted rookie Marcus Rios.

The Broncos also may have a logjam at free safety with Darian Stewart and Justin Simmons. Will Parks played box safety at times, but there may be a need at strong safety since Stewart and Simmons are both more free safety types.

Edge Rusher

You can never have too much depth on the edge.

Nose Tackle

I really like Shelby Harris’ potential here, and the Broncos have Domata Peko for another year. But again, building in the trenches is never frowned upon, to me.