Broncos' 3 Burning Roster Needs Ahead of Busy NFL Offseason
As the Denver Broncos look ahead to the 2024 season, their path to reclaiming their former glory and securing a spot in the playoffs is fraught with challenges. Limited draft picks, a bloated salary cap, and the looming question of quarterback Russell Wilson's future with the team form a complex puzzle that head coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton must solve.
Here, we delve into the three most pressing roster needs the Broncos must address to construct a competitive team capable of reaching the AFC playoffs.
© Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback
At the heart of Denver's roster reconstruction is the quarterback dilemma. The future of Russell Wilson, once seen as the franchise's cornerstone, now hangs in the balance. With an almost relentless desire to win, Paton will likely need more patience to develop a project quarterback from the later draft rounds.
The strategy is leaning towards retaining their first-round pick while trading back to accumulate additional draft capital, potentially targeting a second-round pick. This maneuver would position the Broncos to select a quarterback capable of leading the team into the future, with Oregon's Bo Nix and Washington's Michael Penix Jr. highlighted as viable options, health permitting.
Alternatively, the Broncos might explore free agency, with Kirk Cousins emerging as a potential albeit expensive solution to their quarterback woes.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line Dilemma
Last season's defensive line performance left much to be desired, with the Broncos' front often struggling to contain the run, forcing defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to employ run blitzes as a countermeasure. The acquisition of Zach Allen from the Arizona Cardinals brought some stability, but the underperformance of Mike Purcell and D.J. Jones exposed significant vulnerabilities.
Addressing this issue in the upcoming draft, particularly in the 3rd or 4th round, is a priority. Michigan's Kris Jenkins stands out as a potential draft target capable of bolstering the Broncos' defensive line and mitigating the run defense deficiencies that plagued them last season.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Tight End Void
While the quarterback and defensive line positions garner most of the attention, the need for a dynamic tight end must be addressed. The Broncos' current roster needs a tight end capable of consistently stretching the field and posing a red-zone threat to opposing defenses.
Injuries have limited Greg Dulcich's ability to fulfill this role, prompting the Broncos to look towards the draft and free agency for solutions. The depth of this year's tight-end class offers hope, with prospects like South Carolina’s Trey Knox and Colorado State’s Dallin Holker presenting the potential to bolster Denver's passing attack significantly.
Bottom Line
The Broncos' journey toward competitive resurgence resembles a blindfolded archer aiming for a bullseye. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. With Coach Payton at the helm, both on the field and in the draft room, the accountability for the Broncos' on-field performance rests squarely on his shoulders.
As Denver navigates its complex roster challenges, the decisions made in the coming months will be critical in shaping the team's future and quest to return to the NFL's elite.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
