With a two-game losing streak immediately following their three-game winning streak, the Denver Broncos’ focus is shifting to the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos are cruising toward the offseason and the focus has shifted from the playoffs this season (after a three-game winning streak) to the 2019 NFL Draft (after a two-game losing streak).
With two regular season games left to play, the Broncos’ offseason plan is coming into focus. This team needs a new head coach and hopefully a much more creative offensive approach going forward.
The new head coach could be the one to implement the new offensive philosophies, or the coach could hire an innovative coordinator.
The Broncos’ job in 2018 is going to be an interesting one to monitor. Is it as attractive of a job as it was in 2017? More? Less?
There are so many factors at play with the Broncos heading into the offseason but it’s clear we’re going to see a couple of things:
1. A new head coach
2. A high draft pick at QB
The Broncos are undoubtedly going to set themselves up for the future this offseason as they are two years behind some of the other teams in the league thanks to failing with the selection of Paxton Lynch in 2016.
If Lynch had developed as hoped, the Broncos wouldn’t be in this position, obviously. But here they are, needing a complete overhaul offensively but at least this time with some pieces in place.
The foundation for the future is set on the roster with an incredible 2018 rookie class. How will the Broncos build on that? Let’s take a look at a four-round mock draft that could really push this team closer to the playoffs.
First round: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
The Broncos are likely going to be prioritizing the quarterback position in this year’s draft. Enough is enough.
The failed draft picks of the past won’t matter anymore as soon as this team can get a franchise quarterback locked in, no pun intended.
Drew Lock is the most experienced quarterback in this year’s class. He has played in nearly 50 college games and has done so against some of the best competition in the nation, playing in the SEC.
He’s had mixed levels of success, but overall has done a great job with the team around him and has shown improved accuracy over the past year to go along with his huge arm.
Lock’s physical abilities certainly stand out, but his production has also been pretty consistent. Like any college quarterback, he’s put up some duds and has done so in big spots against teams like Alabama, but he’s shown enough that I am comfortable saying he has franchise quarterback potential.
Second round: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
If the Broncos end up having to move on from Emmanuel Sanders, obviously everyone is going to get a chance to step up but it will also potentially leave a hole at the position that the team will need to fill.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside has played at a very high level for Stanford in a conference the Broncos scout heavily every single year, and he’s got the type of big play ability that would force defenses to stay honest against the Broncos’ stellar running game.
He’s an outside receiver with exceptional speed and burst off the line, and gets to top speed so quickly defensive backs don’t really know what to do when he gets vertical.
To go along with that speed, Arcega-Whiteside does a great job of getting a release at the line of scrimmage and forcing defenders into really difficult positions.
With Courtland Sutton on one side, DaeSean Hamilton in the middle, and Arcega-Whiteside on the opposite side of the field, the Broncos would have a deadly combination in the passing game with players who can not only get vertical but can make plays after the catch.
Third round: Raequan Williams, DL, Michigan State
The Broncos would be foolish not to take advantage of the depth on the defensive line in this year’s draft.
One of the more underrated players on Michigan State’s defense is junior Raequan Williams, who has been playing at a high level the past three seasons, racking up tackles for loss and showing this year that he is capable of batting down passes at a high rate.
The Broncos are facing the reality of losing some key players on the defensive line in free agency this offseason. Namely, they could be losing Zach Kerr and/or Domata Peko, and Williams has the type of versatility the Broncos would covet to replace one of those guys.
They don’t have a pressing need for a starter right now but the Broncos love to rotate players in and out of the formation, and Williams has the type of size and skill set to play end or inside in their formation.
Fourth round (pick one): Blace Brown, CB, Troy
The fourth round is going to be dedicated to adding some talent at the cornerback position. Blace Brown is a player the Broncos could look at and really value his experience.
In 34 career games, he has 12 interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. This is a guy who just knows how to make plays on the football and he could come in and potentially give the Broncos some depth right away.
We’ve seen how important depth at that position is this year with the Broncos having to turn to some journeyman veteran players.
Fourth round (pick two): Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
Keeping with the theme of adding to the cornerback position, Bunting is a player I’m really intrigued by coming out as an underclassman.
He’s played in 35 college games and has nine career interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and five forced fumbles. He’s got great length at 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, and would give the Broncos another option to play press on the outside.
I love his potential and hope he gets a chance to shine in the offseason at All-Star games.