Next Gen Stats' Opinion of Broncos' Top-3 Roster Needs is Dubious
The Denver Broncos have a lot of work to do this offseason if they stand any chance of returning to NFL relevance. While the consensus from fans, media, and experts alike is that Denver should target the offensive line this offseason, there are other aspects of the roster that could use some tender love and care prior to the kickoff of the 2023 campaign.
Everyone has an opinion, but what do the analytics say? NFL.com used NFL Next Gen Stats to evaluate each AFC team’s biggest roster needs on the doorstep of free agency, and it revealed a curious conclusion.
In a massive surprise, not only is the offensive line not the top roster need in Denver, but it's not even in the top three. According to the Next Gen Stats' analytics, running back, linebacker, and defensive tackle are the Broncos' three biggest holes.
Head coach Sean Payton will look to turn the Broncos around after a disastrous beginning to the Russell Wilson era. Making matters worse, the Broncos don't have any selections in the first two rounds of this year's draft as a result of trading for Wilson. After losing Javonte Williams to a season-ending knee injury in October, the Broncos cycled through several veteran backs. They will need to shore up their backfield even if Williams is ready at the start of next season. On the defensive side, their pass rush could use reinforcements. Defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones generated the second-most pressures on the team last season (36) and is set for a big payday as an unrestricted free agent. Starting linebacker Alex Singleton will also enter free agency after being a stabilizing force at the second level of the defense last season, allowing just 5.6 yards per target.
Setting aside the O-line not receiving mention, let's examine each of these three needs NFL.com did point to in the article.
Running Back
The Broncos need help at the running back position, without a doubt. Javonte Williams’ 2023 outlook might be in jeopardy, according to recent buzz from the NFL Combine.
Meanwhile, Chase Edmonds' release and Latavius Murray’s age and value based on where the Broncos acquired him last year from another team’s practice squad, make running back a bigger priority than perhaps some fans realize. The Broncos have been linked to veteran back Kareem Hunt in the NFL rumor mill and there are a plethora of other options available.
Denver could also add a running back via the draft. With the Broncos likely to emphasize the rushing game in 2023 and Payton’s history utilizing running backs at a high volume in both the run and pass game, it could be argued the position is a massive problem for Denver but one that should have multiple avenues to solve.
Linebacker
NFL.com is correct in stating that Denver also has questions at linebacker. Josey Jewell is coming off of one of the best years of his career and should be sharpied in as a starter for 2023.
However, Jewell has had injury issues in his NFL career, which makes the depth behind him essential. Denver’s other opening-day starter from 2022 should return in Jonas Griffith.
Griffith's size and athleticism are tremendous tools, but he struggled in some of the other areas last season. Once Griffith suffered a season-ending injury, Singleton stepped up in a big way for Denver.
Singleton has limitations to his game and will turn 30 years old next season, but he should receive a solid deal much like the one Jewell is playing on currently. If Singleton leaves, though, Denver will need to add to the linebacker corps.
Much like running back, though, the NFL offers a plethora of options for linebacker-needy teams. There are ample solid linebackers available in free agency and the draft each and every year.
Defensive Tackle
Now we come to defensive tackle, which may be last but certainly isn't least on this list. Given how blurred the lines have gotten for D-line positions, it could and should be argued that the Broncos should be looking for edge and interior help this offseason.
In 2022, Dre’Mont Jones logged 451 snaps at defensive tackle and 223 at defensive end. With Denver’s current rush linebacker depth chart being exceedingly light and featuring more speed than power if Jones leaves, an inside-outside pass rusher that can play edge on early run downs and kick inside in sub looks should be considered.
The defensive interior itself, though, remains in question. Apparently, not only could the Broncos lose their best interior pass rusher in Jones, but the team’s next-best 3-technique — DeShawn Williams — is set to hit the market, too.
The Denver Gazette’s Woody Paige indicated last week that nose tackle Mike Purcell could be a cap casualty. If the trio listed above is playing elsewhere in 2023, then the only Broncos interior defensive lineman that played at least 250 snaps last season would be D.J. Jones.
Bottom Line
The Broncos have a number of roster needs. Next Gen Stats’ analytics team is not wrong in listing running back, linebacker, and defensive tackle as needs for the Broncos, as all three positions have massive question marks entering 2023.
Even still, despite its omission in the article, the offensive line remains the Broncos' biggest need. It should have been listed.
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