Broncos Biggest Defensive Roster Holes in 2024
With the Denver Broncos projected to be over the salary cap by $24 to $30 million, with six picks in the 2024 NFL draft and the possibility of moving on from Russell Wilson, the team will have limited resources to improve the roster.
The Broncos will need to do a good job of prioritizing what positions to address in the offseason. While Denver has plenty of holes to fill, it won’t necessarily be able to fill them all in 2024.
Thus, it makes sense to figure out what positions need to take priority. It requires looking at the current roster, who is expected to be back for 2024, and who the Broncos expect to move on from, whether through cuts or trades.
Last time, we looked at the priorities on offense. This time, we turn our attention to the defense and what needs to be addressed the most.
Defensive Line: High Priority
Zach Allen was one of the best free-agent signings the Broncos made in 2023. However, as good as Allen was, he didn't get much help from other interior defenders.
D.J. Jones might be a cap casualty, Matt Henningsen looks like a depth player at best and Eyioma Uwazurike missed the season because of a gambling suspension. It's clear the Broncos need plenty of help here.
This position is one the Broncos definitely need to address in the draft. A free-agent signing can't be ruled out, but the draft is where the Broncos need to find a player who can help sooner than later.
Edge Rushers: Medium Priority
The Broncos have some good edge rushers on the roster but don't have any who would be a game changer. Baron Browning may be the best of the bunch but he isn't what you would call an elite player.
Additionally, Browning enters the final year of his contract, along with fellow 2021 draft classmate Jonathon Cooper. That leaves Nik Bonitto as the only one among the top three who is under contract beyond 2024.
It will be difficult for the Broncos to fill both interior defender and edge rusher positions early in the draft, so the team may need to draft for depth. Another option for the Broncos is to get what they can in free agency, but they'll need to look for low-cost players.
Linebacker: Medium Priority
While Alex Singleton isn't an elite player, he's been effective. The Broncos added Drew Sanders in the 2023 draft but it's not clear yet whether the team views him as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker.
And with multiple linebackers hitting free agency, the Broncos will need to add some talent here. The Broncos could bring one or more linebackers back, but it's far from guaranteed that they will.
It would be good for the Broncos to draft a linebacker at some point. The good news is that it's not hard to find this position in the later rounds.
Cornerback: Medium Priority
The Broncos have Patrick Surtain II as their No. 1 cornerback and Ja'Quan McMillian looks like a keeper for the slot. The question is who will be the No. 2 cornerback?
While 2023 third-rounder Riley Moss didn't see a lot of defensive snaps, it's not a given that he won't be the eventual No. 2. But it wouldn't hurt for the Broncos to add depth.
The best bet may be for the Broncos to add a veteran in free agency who can push Moss. Drafting a corner late for depth would be good as well.
Safety: Medium Priority
The Broncos will return Justin Simmons and could address the other starting position if they get P.J. Locke re-signed. If not, they'll need to find his replacement.
With Caden Sterns coming off a significant injury, it's hard to count on him to be that guy, even though he is talented. And Delarrin Turner-Yell's injury late in the season leaves depth a concern, while JL Skinner still needs development.
Regardless of whether or not Locke is re-signed, the Broncos need to think about drafting another safety. Denver needs to keep in mind that Simmons enters the final year of his contract and it's not a given that he'll be extended.
Bottom Line
Obviously, the Broncos have a lot of holes to fill, even as they are coming off a season in which they produced more wins than the one prior and were in the playoff hunt late in the season.
While it will be difficult to address every position in 2024, it's clear that quarterback and interior defensive line take the highest priority in Denver. Those are the positions the Broncos need to address in the draft, for sure.
As for other positions, the Broncos simply need to do what they can with the resources they have. Trading for more draft capital certainly won't hurt and there are ways to manage cap hits, though it will require care.
But fans may have to prepare for the Broncos focusing on the two high-priority needs (QB and interior defender) this offseason with an eye toward getting other holes filled in 2025, once they are in a better position with cap space and draft capital.
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