2018 NFL Draft picks put current Denver Broncos on hot seat

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 03: Todd Davis #51 of the Denver Broncos makes the tackle during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 03: Todd Davis #51 of the Denver Broncos makes the tackle during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
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Todd Davis/Brandon Marshall

Davis and Marshall are the only veterans you will see on this list. Davis stepped up his game last year and was rewarded with a three-year contract. Despite this, he is a liability in coverage.

Davis is outstanding on first and second down. In coverage, however, he struggles. Pro Football Focus graded him out at 45.5, which is far below average.

Brandon Marshall has over $25 million left and three years left on his contract, but his play regressed significantly. According to Pro Football Focus, Marshall’s PFF rating is 54.6 for 2017. This places him as the 53rd ranked linebacker out of 100 qualifying linebackers.

The Denver Broncos were among the worst in the league in stopping running backs and tight ends in the passing game. Denver allowed the most receiving touchdowns to running backs and the third most yards to tight ends in 2017.

Josey Jewell out of the University of Iowa is now a Denver Bronco. Jewell’s instincts are incredible and he could start right away. Ignoring the perceived limitations in coverage, he presents an upgrade over Davis today.

Others on my team have went more in depth on Jewell after his selection. Sayre Bedinger provides more details on what Jewell brings to Denver here.

Schedule