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2018 NFL Draft picks put current Denver Broncos on hot seat

By Andrew Wade

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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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray /

Notable exclusions

Some may have been expecting me to mention Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett after Denver selected Bradley Chubb at fifth overall. Here’s the thing, Denver still believes in Ray and Barrett. The board just fell in such a way, Denver couldn’t pass up the chance to take Chubb.

Elway loves pass rushers and a player of Chubb’s caliber doesn’t come around often. With Miller aging, this is the perfect opportunity for Elway to work on a transition plan. Meanwhile, it provides Denver with four fantastic pass rushers at the linebacker position.

Next: Early Roster Predictions for the Denver Broncos

Although it’s very likely that either Ray or Barrett or both will not be in Denver in 2019, this has more to do with cap space. Keeping multiple strong pass rushers can be very costly. Ray and Barrett are likely to command top dollar in free agency.

While this move does make outside linebacker a crowded position, it is more about Chubb’s talent and future planning than an indication that Denver is frustrated with these two.

With the amount of talent added in the draft, I am excited to see these competitions play out in training camp and OTAs. Competition is good for any team, especially a team that coming off a 5-11 season.

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