Broncos Roundtable: How much does Pat Shurmur change Denver’s offseason plans?

Another year, another offensive coordinator in Denver.

After firing Rich Scangarello after the season and hiring Pat Shurmur, the Denver Broncos will be on their fifth offensive coordinator in the past five years.

Will Shurmur last longer than his predecessors? Will his presence change John Elway’s plans for the draft and free agency?

The DNVR Broncos Crew breaks it all down.

DOES PAT SHURMUR CHANGE DENVER’S DIRECTION IN THE FIRST ROUND?

Zac

Without a doubt — It’s clear the Broncos need to take more shots down the field. Vic Fangio’s made that abundantly clear this offseason. With Shurmur, they certainly will. But they need the wide receivers in order to do that.

Before hiring the veteran offensive play-caller this offseason, receiver was certainly one of the top positions John Elway and Co. could look at in the first round. Now with Shurmur, it’s the No. 1 position for the Broncos to go after with their first pick.

Any talented receiver will do, but a speedster—such as Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III—will be at the top of the list thanks to Shurmur.

Additionally, as it stands right now, the Broncos have one bonafide starting receiver in Courtland Sutton. In a Shurmur offense, they’ll be three receivers on the field more often than not. So, Denver needs at least one more stud to pair with Sutton.

Ryan

It shouldn’t — Look, whether it’s Rich Scangarello, Pat Shurmur, or Zac Stevens calling the plays, the Broncos’ needs are obvious. On the offensive ball, they need speed at wide receiver, and they need stability on the offensive line, specifically at the left tackle position.

Now, you could make the case the Shurmur might cause the Broncos to lean a certain way between those two things, and if you were trying to make that case, you would probably lean towards tackle, because Shurmur’s offense asks a lot of that position.

But on the whole, in my opinion, the Broncos should be taking the highest player on their board at either of those two positions when the time comes.

Mase

Minimally — Wide receiver and offensive line were expected to be the strongest positions in the draft, which dovetailed well with the Broncos’ needs. Exchanging Scangarello for Shurmur did not change this one iota. The Broncos needed a vertical speed threat at receiver before the coordinator change; they still need one now.

DOES PAT SHURMUR CHANGE DENVER’S PLANS IN FREE AGENCY?

Zac

Certainly — As mentioned above, the Broncos absolutely have to address receiver in the offseason, likely multiple times, thanks to hiring Shurmur. This will be done in the draft and could very well be addressed in free agency too.

But Denver’s free agency plans will severely be altered, due to the addition of Shurmur, on the offensive line. Under Rich Scangarello, Denver was limited to offensive lineman that were meant for a zone-blocking scheme. Under Shurmur, Elway will now be able to go after any type of offensive lineman as Shurmur uses a combination of blocking schemes.

With at least over $60 million to spend in the offseason, Elway should address offensive line at least once in free agency. With Shurmur, the possibility of signing either All-Pro guard Joe Thuney or Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff just got that much more intriguing.

Ryan 

Most likely — From what we expect, the Broncos plan will be to buy a defense and draft an offense. If they stick to that completely—which I don’t expect—then we won’t see much of a Shurmur-effect.

I would expect we do see a tier-two or tier-three signing that has worked with Shurmur, such as offensive lineman Mike Remmers. So, while there will be a small impact, I don’t expect anything vast.

Mase

A bit — The Broncos wanted to fortify the offensive line regardless of the schematic preferences of their offensive coordinator. But Shurmur’s presence broadens the spectrum of linemen the Broncos could seek, as the Broncos are no longer wedded to a scheme built on zone blocking.

Shurmur’s experience around the NFL also gives him connections and background on linemen set to hit the market. Utility lineman Mike Remmers, who played for Shurmur with the Giants and Vikings, can play any spot but center. Longtime Eagles left tackle Jason Peters had three of his best years (2013-15) with Shurmur as offensive coordinator. Both are expected to be available when the legal tampering period begins and could be options as the Broncos try to fortify their depth — and, perhaps, look to upgrade left tackle.

HOW LONG WILL PAT SHURMUR BE THE OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR IN DENVER?

Zac

As long as Vic Fangio is the head coach — It seems crazy to say Shurmur will be in Denver longer than a year–it really does. Since Gary Kubiak retired in 2016, the Broncos haven’t had a single offensive coordinator last two full seasons.

With Shurmur, Denver will be on their fifth offensive coordinator in five years. If things go massively wrong in 2020, Fangio might be out the door, with Shurmur following right behind.

But the reason to believe Shurmur will break the streak and be in town for more than one year is because he’s Fangio’s guy. Because of that, Vic will ride or die with Pat.

The good news is even if the Broncos’ offense takes off to great heights, Shurmur likely won’t be going anywhere. It’s hard to see the veteran coach getting a third opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL any time soon as he has a combined 18-46 record as a head coach.

As long as Fangio’s in the Mile High City, Shurmur will be as well.

Ryan

A while — Congratulations, Pat Shurmur, you’ve inherited a gold mine. You’ve got yourself a blossoming young quarterback who is going to be a star, an absolute dog of a young running back, a future captain on the offensive line and a matchup nightmare at tight end.

Oh, and you’ve also found yourself in a place where the decision-makers will be hesitant to make a change at head coach for the time being. Not to mention the fact that your head coach will put together a defense that will give you plenty of opportunities.

Ol’ Pat will be around a while.

Mase

At least two years — When Mel Tucker took the Michigan State head-coaching job, he angered Colorado Buffaloes backers from Sawpit to Sedgwick and everywhere in between. But he also put Broncos Country at ease. The threat of Shurmur taking the coaching gig at his alma mater immediately evaporated.

In many ways, Shurmur is the perfect fit for the Broncos. He can draw from a wealth of influences, including Nick Saban, Andy Reid and Mike Zimmer. If he flourishes working with Lock and Denver’s offense, the struggles the Browns and Giants endured while he was their head coach — leading to a 9-23 record at both stops — make him unlikely to be a hot commodity on the head-coaching market.

As long as the Broncos don’t endure a disaster that necessitates a complete teardown in 2020, expect Shurmur to be the first Broncos offensive coordinator to return for a second consecutive full season since Rick Dennison in 2016-17.