The Denver Broncos are hurting for draft capital in 2023, and even though the offseason activity has died down a bit, they can still trade some players before the draft kicks off.
I just find it hard to believe Denver is going to go into the 2023 NFL Draft with a measly five picks. General Manager George Paton is someone who thinks extremely highly of having a large selection of draft picks to choose from.
In fact, he's on record saying he likes having 10 draft picks each year, and Denver has half. Their roster is largely solid from top to bottom, so I do think they can afford to trade some players for picks before the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off.
There's also some free agents left on the market that could come in and fill those holes of the traded players, too.
Denver Broncos could trade these players before the 2023 NFL Draft
1. Broncos could trade Garett Bolles
There was a report earlier in this offseason that the Broncos could have parted with Garett Bolles this offseason. Ever since his stellar 2020 season, he's regressed, but he's still an average left tackle, at least. His broken leg to end his 2022 season prematurely was rough to witness, but he does look poised to return.
However, what if a team is willing to part with a mid-round pick for Bolles' services? What if Denver could get a third or fourth for him? Perhaps the Broncos could trade Bolles for a mid and a late round pick.
They could do this and then proceed to sign Donovan Smith, a free agent left tackle, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's a year younger than Bolles but has been in the NFL for two years longer than the former Utah product
2. Could the Denver Broncos trade Albert Okwuegbunam?
Albert Okwuegbunam was put in the doghouse last year, which was disappointing to see. He's got elite qualities at the tight end position and showed some nice progress in year two, but his 2022 season was one to forget.
I do think his being able to play in a Sean Payton offense is encouraging, but with the emergence of Greg Dulcich and the signing of Chris Manhertz, could Albert O. be expendable? The 6th round pick they'd likely get back in return for Okwuegbunam might not be worth potentially missing out on some production for the Broncos in 2023.
Maybe Payton and the offensive staff can treat him as a larger wide receiver instead of a true tight end. Manhertz is a stellar blocking tight end, so that might relieve Albert O and Dulcich from those duties to an extent, giving them more of a chance to be featured in the passing game.
3. Josey Jewell might be of interest to some teams
Could the Denver Broncos shop Josey Jewell? Jewell turns 29 late in the 2023 season and formed a nice duo with Alex Singleton last year, who signed a contract extension with the team.
In 13 games for the Broncos in 2022, Jewell had 2 interecptions, four passes defended, 2.5 sacks. 128 total tackles, and seven tackles for loss. He is a true, old-school linebacker with great instincts and feel for the game.
However, Singleton fits that mold as well, and with Jonas Griffith likely returning from his foot injury, Denver might benefit from shopping Jewell, getting a pick back in return, and sliding Griffith back into the starting role. This would be a cheaper option, so it would help clear some cap space, and would also be a younger option as well.
I like Josey Jewell, but given his age and injury history, the Broncos might want to try and get a pick for him now before he ends up leaving in free agency in 2024.