Ranking Broncos’ biggest offseason needs heading into free agency

The Denver Broncos, like every NFL team, face a critical period during the offseason where they must make decisions that will shape the future of their franchise. With a roster full of talent but also areas of weakness, the Broncos must carefully strategize how to approach the upcoming offseason in order to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.

One of the key areas that the Broncos must address this offseason is their quarterback situation. After acquiring Teddy Bridgewater in a trade with the Carolina Panthers last season, the Broncos have a decision to make regarding his future with the team. Bridgewater showed flashes of potential last season but also struggled with consistency and turnovers. The Broncos must decide whether to stick with Bridgewater as their starting quarterback or look to upgrade the position through free agency or the draft.

If the Broncos choose to move on from Bridgewater, they will have several options to consider in free agency. One potential target could be Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo has experience leading a team to the Super Bowl and could provide the Broncos with a veteran presence at the quarterback position. Another option could be Mitchell Trubisky, who is set to become a free agent after spending last season as a backup with the Buffalo Bills. Trubisky has shown flashes of potential in his career and could benefit from a change of scenery.

In addition to exploring options in free agency, the Broncos could also look to address the quarterback position in the upcoming NFL draft. With the ninth overall pick in the draft, the Broncos could have the opportunity to select one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s class. Players like Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and Matt Corral could all be potential targets for the Broncos in the first round. Each of these quarterbacks brings a unique skill set to the table and could provide the Broncos with a long-term solution at the position.

While the quarterback position is a key area of focus for the Broncos this offseason, they also have other areas of need that must be addressed. One position that the Broncos could look to upgrade is the offensive line. The Broncos struggled at times last season with protecting the quarterback and establishing a consistent running game. In order to address this issue, the Broncos could look to add depth and talent to their offensive line through free agency and the draft.

In free agency, the Broncos could target players like Terron Armstead of the New Orleans Saints or Brandon Scherff of the Washington Football Team. Armstead is a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle who could provide an immediate upgrade to the Broncos’ offensive line. Scherff is a former All-Pro guard who would bring a physical presence to the interior of the offensive line. Adding players like Armstead or Scherff could help the Broncos improve their pass protection and open up running lanes for their running backs.

In addition to addressing the offensive line in free agency, the Broncos could also look to add talent through the draft. With several talented offensive linemen expected to be available in this year’s draft class, the Broncos could have the opportunity to add a young, talented player to their roster. Players like Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, and Tyler Linderbaum could all be potential targets for the Broncos in the first round of the draft. Adding a player like Neal, Ekwonu, or Linderbaum could provide the Broncos with a long-term solution at a key position on their roster.

Another area of need for the Broncos this offseason is at the wide receiver position. The Broncos have a talented group of pass-catchers led by Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, but they could benefit from adding another playmaker to their offense. In order to address this need, the Broncos could look to add a wide receiver in free agency or the draft.

In free agency, the Broncos could target players like Allen Robinson of the Chicago Bears or Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson is a proven playmaker who has consistently produced at a high level throughout his career. Godwin is a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field and make plays after the catch. Adding a player like Robinson or Godwin to their offense could give the Broncos another weapon to help them move the ball down the field and score points.

In addition to exploring options in free agency, the Broncos could also look to add a wide receiver in the draft. With several talented receivers expected to be available in this year’s draft class, the Broncos could have the opportunity to add a young, dynamic player to their roster. Players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jameson Williams could all be potential targets for the Broncos in the first round of the draft. Adding a player like Wilson, Olave, or Williams could provide the Broncos with a versatile playmaker who can make an immediate impact on their offense.

In addition to addressing their needs at quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver, the Broncos must also consider their defense this offseason. The Broncos have a talented defense led by players like Von Miller, Justin Simmons, and Bradley Chubb, but they could benefit from adding depth and talent at key positions.

One area that the Broncos could look to address on defense is their secondary. The Broncos have a solid group of cornerbacks led by Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, but they could benefit from adding another playmaker to their secondary. In order to address this need, the Broncos could look to add a cornerback in free agency or the draft.

In free agency, the Broncos could target players like J.C. Jackson of the New England Patriots or Stephon Gilmore of the Carolina Panthers. Jackson is a young, talented cornerback who has shown the ability to cover some of the top receivers in the league. Gilmore is a former Defensive Player of the Year who would bring a physical presence to the Broncos’ secondary. Adding a player like Jackson or Gilmore could give the Broncos another playmaker in their secondary and help them improve their pass defense.

In addition to exploring options in free agency, the Broncos could also look to add a cornerback in the draft. With several talented cornerbacks expected to be available in this year’s draft class, the Broncos could have the opportunity to add a young, talented player to their roster. Players like Derek Stingley Jr., Ahmad Gardner, and Andrew Booth Jr. could all be potential targets for the Broncos in the first round of the draft. Adding a player like Stingley, Gardner, or Booth could provide the Broncos with a lockdown cornerback who can shut down opposing receivers and make plays on the ball.

Overall, the Denver Broncos have several key areas that they must address this offseason in order to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. By carefully strategizing how to address their needs at quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, and defense, the Broncos can put themselves in a position to compete at a high level and make a run at the playoffs. With the right moves this offseason, the Broncos have the potential to take a significant step forward and establish themselves as a contender in the AFC.

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Source: Sporting News