Denver Broncos general manager John Elway believes that the defensive front is the strongest position in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos are heading into the 2019 NFL Draft as well as free agency with a pending need for help on the defensive line.
The team currently has three defensive linemen who will be free agents once free agency starts. Domata Peko, Zach Kerr, and Shelby Harris will be hitting the open market.
It was reported that the Broncos would not be re-signing Peko, at least not during the early stages of free agency. However, a return is still possible.
General Manager John Elway was asked which position in the draft he felt was the strongest. Luckily for the Broncos, his answer was about a position the team will be looking into.
"“The defensive front. There’s a lot of good pass rushers and the defensive line is strong, as well as in free agency. There’s a lot of outside linebackers and rush ends in free agency.”"
As for the linebacker position, the Broncos currently have four outside linebackers who are set to become free agents: Shane Ray, Shaquil Barrett, Deiontrez Mount, and Joe Jones. That leaves a massive hole at the position and its depth.
It sounds more and more convincing that Ray and Barrett will not be with the team in 2019. Denver declined Ray’s fifth-year option, and Barrett could test the market and see if there are other suitors for his services.
Some of the free agents the Broncos could look at are Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr, Baltimore Ravens linebacker CJ Mosley, and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Anthony Hicks.
In the draft, there are prospects that could interest the team: Josh Allen, Montez Sweat, and Jachai Polite are a couple of options.
It would be good if the team found a way to retain Barrett, and Jones. They played a role in Denver’s defense during the 2018 season and they both provide much-needed experience.
NFL Free agency begins March 13, while the NFL Draft will be held from April 25th through April 27th.