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Denver Broncos: 5 early needs for the 2021 NFL Draft

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 1, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway before the game against the New York Jet at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway before the game against the New York Jet at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Ja'Wuan James
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Ja’Wuan James #70 of the Denver Broncos holds his leg in the first half against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

5. Offensive tackle depth

This need becomes quite a bit more significant if the Denver Broncos lose Garett Bolles instead of extending him like they should.

The offensive tackle position, at least on paper, is taken care of just the same in 2021 as it was supposed to be in 2020.

The Broncos have no choice but to stick with Ja’Wuan James at the right tackle since his entire contract tolls to next season, meaning there is $19 million in dead cap on his deal if the Broncos try to move on next offseason.

Let’s say it together — Ja’Wuan James is the Broncos’ plan A at right tackle in 2021.

This area of the team may need some additional depth and a plan B, however, regardless if the Broncos are able to re-sign Bolles and actually count on James for 2021.

What happens in the event that one of them is hurt? What happens if there’s another situation where James decides to opt-out?

The Broncos need their top swing tackle to be a better option than Elijah Wilkinson, who will be a free agent after this season. It would be surprising to see the team look to free agency for this player, and perhaps by that point, they will be able to count on prospect Calvin Anderson, who has been getting groomed for the past two seasons.

Either way, adding a player at tackle in the mid-rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft should be something on the table if the right prospect is available. Frankly, that may be where the best value in this class is.

Penei Sewell of Oregon is the crown jewel, but beyond him, this is not a top-heavy tackle class by any means, and day two and day three could bring the best value to Denver looking for a better swing tackle option.

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