As the Denver Broncos figure to be done with their free agency period, where on the roster does the team still have holes to fill?
The biggest move of the NFL offseason was when George Paton and the Denver Broncos traded for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, filling perhaps the biggest position need for any team across the NFL.
Ever since, the Broncos have made various other free agency signings to improve their roster.
The question remains, though, where do the Denver Broncos still have roster holes?
It was relatively common knowledge that the Broncos had a solid roster with good depth before Wilson arrived.
I don’t think that idea has changed, either. As well as trading for Wilson, Denver signed D.J. Jones to perhaps fill the void left by Shelby Harris, Randy Gregory to fill a void at edge, K’Waun Williams to fill a small void at cornerback, and signed Ben Braden, Tom Compton, and Billy Turner to round out the offensive line.
Starting with the offense, Denver doesn’t need a quarterback, they don’t need receivers, they might need an RB2, and they might need another solid tight end.
As for the offensive line, they if nothing else have excellent depth, but I think it’s safe to say the starting five for this unit is on the team. I think Denver will look to draft a right tackle, though.
However, looking at the big picture, the offense doesn’t have a glaring need under any circumstances.
Being that the Broncos have nine draft picks, they figure to at least add some depth at key positions if they don’t do much else in free agency.
As for offensive depth positions, look at the team perhaps adding someone at tight end, running back, and maybe a wide receiver-return man type who could fill the shoes of Diontae Spencer. Right tackle is probably the biggest long-term need, but with Billy Turner on the roster, he could fill that role for a couple of years until Denver feels comfortable with a younger prospect.
Time for the defense.
In the secondary, Denver should be mostly set for the next couple of years. Justin Simmons and Ronald Darby both turn 29 this season. Recently signed K’Waun Williams turns 31 before the season begins. Denver is getting old on the backend. While they are still skilled, beginning to think about replacing these players in the future would be smart.
Patrick Surtain II is set to enter his age-22 season. Michael Ojemudia is still young as well.
As for the linebackers, Josey Jewell seems to be a long-term option for Denver. It remains to be seen what they plan on doing next to him, seeing as Baron Browning is set to get some time off the EDGE.
On the defensive line, Denver has two long-term options with Dre’Mont Jones and D.J. Jones. They could use another young body or two down here as Mike Purcell turns 31 in April and regressed in 2021.
Since Denver does have bigger needs on defense, specifically on the front seven, I’d look for them to be more aggressive in adding players to this unit. There are still some talented players in free agency, but the draft is where teams are built.
I would expect Denver to add more on the defensive side of the ball in the draft. However, like the offense, there is no urgent need at any position.
The “weak” points on the roster, if the team even has any, would be at tight end, linebacker, and the defensive line.
Denver Broncos 4 free agents to sign after solidifying offensive line
The Denver Broncos signed Billy Turner to solidify their offensive line, filling the right tackle spot. Which free agents should be up next for this team?
Don’t be surprised if George Paton and the Denver Broncos decide to sit back and not make any more notable moves until the NFL Draft. Perhaps Denver could sign a couple depth pieces, but with a very well-rounded roster, they don’t have to do much else.