Ranking the Broncos’ draft needs: Part 1

Grown men call it Christmas in April, some call it the most optimistic weekend in sports and John Elway views it as his second opportunity to better his organization in the offseason — this is the NFL draft.

After the first month and a half of free agency, the Broncos addressed their two biggest weaknesses — offensive and defensive line. However, after missing the playoffs last year, Denver still has work to do and will look to the draft to continue that process.

While Denver most likely won’t be able to fill every hole through the draft, the list below ranks four of the eight biggest needs the team has entering the draft. During the three-day affair, the Broncos currently have 10 picks with at least one selection in each round.

This list by no way indicates the order in which they will be addressed in the draft, but more so the need that the team has. Elway has proven that he doesn’t necessarily draft for need, especially in the beginning of the draft — i.e. Shane Ray (2015) and Bradley Roby (2014) in the first round.

This is the first of a two-part series, stay tuned for part two counting down to one

8) Quarterback

Until there is an undisputed established quarterback under center, this position will stay labeled as a need, even if it is slight. While it is almost certain that the starter for 2017 will either be Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch, the Broncos will likely look to the draft to add their third quarterback.

They way the Broncos decide to add a third quarterback will show the country their confidence in the two players they currently have on the roster. A late-round pick would indicate confidence in Siemian and Lynch moving forward. However, an early-to-mid-round pick would stir up even more quarterback controversy.

7) Pass Rusher

Addressing the pass rush isn’t an urgent need, but it is something that the Broncos need to stay on top of to maintain their level of great defense, which Elway has said is the top priority for the team. After leading the league in sacks in 2015 with 52, Denver was third in the league in 2016 with 42.

With DeMarcus Ware retiring in the offseason, the defense lost a player who averaged 7 sacks during his three seasons in the Mile High City. Lead by Von Miller, the Broncos still have a dangerous pass rush, but could very well add depth to maintain its form for the future. The depth doesn’t necessarily have to come in the form of an outside linebacker either, it could be a pass rushing defensive end or even a defensive tackle.

6) Inside linebacker

Although Brandon Marshall is about to start his new four-year, $32 million contract and Todd Davis didn’t miss a single tackle last year, the linebacking unit needs to be looked at for part of the defense’s struggles last season. Not only was the defense bottom-five against the run, they struggled mightily covering running backs in the passing game and had poor games covering tight ends — all of which can be partially blamed on the inside linebackers.

There doesn’t need to, and likely won’t, be an overhaul with these two positions, but continuing to build depth and versatility could be a route Denver looks to in the draft to improve the unit this season and for the future.

5) Guard/Center

The Broncos’ best signing of free agency, in terms of talent, was guard Ronald Leary. Even with his signing, though, there is still a need in the middle of the offensive line for two reasons. First, while center Matt Paradis was hands down the Broncos’ best offensive lineman last year, his two offseason hip replacements leaves some doubt on his health for 2017 and beyond.

Secondly, it is believed that Max Garcia will be the other starting guard opposite Leary. However, Garcia had a below average season last year and while Mike McCoy’s offense will likely be more friendly to his style of play, it should not be taken for granted that he will Denver’s answer as the other starting guard for years to come.

Guard and center won’t be a high priority in the draft for Elway and company, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they used a mid-round pick on a high-value player.

Stay tuned for the rest of the countdown Thursday morning.