Ranking the Broncos’ draft needs: Part 2

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 the four biggest needs the team has entering the draft, starting with the most pressing. 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 second of a two-part series, click here for part one, including 5-8

4) Defensive line

Even though Denver addressed the defensive line in free agency with the signings of Domata Peko and Zach Kerr, there is still work to be done along the defensive front. While Peko has established himself as a starter throughout his 11-year career, his play has declined the past two seasons, and Kerr has only started eight games in his career.

Despite the fact that both players will likely be essential pieces to the line for the next two seasons, the Broncos need to continue to bolster both defensive end and defensive tackle and start building for the future now. After falling from the third-best team against the run in 2015 to the fifth-worst in 2016, Denver desperately needs to continue to shore up the defensive line.

3) Tight End

Although the Broncos have two young tight ends that they are optimistic about, A.J. Derby and Jeff Heuerman, and a veteran leader in Virgil Green, they have significantly lacked a difference-maker at this position for years.

In what is a very deep draft for tight ends, Denver could realistically use an early-round pick to upgrade their blocking and receiving from one player or get a talented developmental prospect later in the draft.

2) Specialist

This position can come in many forms—running back, wide receiver or hybrid—and will need to take on many roles—offensive weapon and special teams returner. As nearly every Colorado resident is aware, the ideal player for this void is Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey. However, if Denver doesn’t land the Colorado native, there are other players in the draft that they can turn to to fill this hole, even if it takes more than one player.

As a receiver, there is a desperate need to add a third threat to the passing game as Denver was the only team to not have three 300-yard receivers last year. As a running back, C.J. Anderson has proven that he cannot stay healthy for an entire season. Finally, on special teams, not only could the Broncos not find a dangerous returner last year, they couldn’t even find a reliable one.

1) Offensive tackle

The Broncos’ brass hasn’t been shy in admitting they don’t know who their starting tackles will be come September. Their two leading candidates, Donald Stephenson and Menelik Watson, will combine for just over $10 million in average salary next season. To put that in perspective, top right tackles alone make between $7-9 million per year and an average left tackle makes at least $10 million, with the greats making upwards of $15 million.

It is safe to say that Denver has not dedicated the necessary resources to solidify this position, and that’s exactly why the 2017 draft could be their time to do just that. While the left tackle position is wide open, neither Stephenson or Watson is a sure bet on the right side either.