Need #1: Offensive line
The Broncos have multiple needs on the offensive line heading into the 2020 offseason.
If Ron Leary ends up being released, there will be two pressing needs on the interior offensive line with Connor McGovern also heading for free agency at right guard and center.
We haven’t seen what players teams around the league are going to cut yet, but there’s a chance that other teams have players not slated for free agency who could end up helping the Broncos out when all is said and done.
Depending on what the Broncos decide with Garett Bolles’ 2019 season, the tackle position could get a greater emphasis in the 2020 offseason as well.
In my mind, the Broncos have no fewer than three needs on the offensive line right now.
1. Right guard
1a. Center
2. Tackle
The Broncos have to replace two starters potentially on the interior offensive line. I think they will sign at least one guy in free agency, and wouldn’t be surprised to see them make two moves — one expensive, one not-so-expensive — to fill these voids.
It also wouldn’t surprise me to see the Broncos say they have a spot like right guard filled with a guy like Elijah Wilkinson heading into the 2020 NFL Draft and use a premium pick on someone who could start there as a rookie, similar to Dalton Risner last year.
Players like Risner don’t grow on trees, but this offensive line class is pretty darn good.
The 2020 NFL Draft class is especially strong at the offensive tackle position, and I don’t see the Broncos addressing tackle until we get to this point of the offseason.
This tackle class is so solid, I think Denver will be able to find a starting-caliber player in the third or fourth round, and maybe later.
I don’t think the Broncos need three starters on the offensive line, but they definitely need two and they need a tackle who can play right away considering Bolles’ inconsistency and Ja’Wuan James’ injury-plagued 2019 season.