No one can discredit the Denver Broncos as one of the most talented teams in the NFL currently. Proudly putting Peyton Manning behind center – even at the twilight of his career – will help boost a team’s reputation, of course. So do players like Ryan Clady, Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Chris Harris, Aqib Talib, Demaryius Thomas and the list goes on.
Still, no team can be built perfectly during this salary cap era, leaving some clear needs for Denver to attack during the upcoming NFL Draft. Those needs are on the offensive line and inside linebacker followed by defensive line and receiving depth.
At No. 28 overall, assuming the Broncos don’t use one of their many picks to trade up, they could address either the offensive line or linebacker need, with an o-lineman seeming more likely. Specifically, Denver will be looking at tackles to fill their void at right tackle. With Ryan Clady anchoring the left tackle, newly signed Shelley Smith will start at left guard, Manny Ramirez will likely be center and Louis Vasquez at right guard. (Click here for the breakdown of five potential draftees at OT.)
They could go ILB at No. 28, again assuming they don’t move up, which is a need in Wade Phillips’ new 3-4 defense. Nate Irving departed and was the team’s top inside linebacker, so who will man the position? Some believe Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan could be the team’s two inside backers, but both have played on the outside in 4-3 schemes and each are coming back from injuries. Trevathan battled two different knee injuries in 2014 and Marshall suffered a Lisfranc injury and had surgery in March.
Of course, the defensive line and receiver are positions in which teams can never have too many bodies. Denver will likely pick at least one at big defender and a wideout at some point in the draft, giving them insurance heading into the season.
In the next few days, we’re going to be breaking down exactly who the Broncos could be taking to fill those needs. So, check back for those pieces daily as they roll in!
The NFL Draft takes place April 30-May 2 in Chicago, Illinois. It will be televised on NFL Network.
