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    Denver Broncos GM Hints at NFL Draft Strategy

    State of the Broncos Roster: Which Positions Still Need Upgrades?

    The NFL draft rapidly approaches for the Denver Broncos.
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    Denver Broncos
    Denver Broncos

    The NFL draft is about three weeks away, though it will be a while before the Denver Broncos are on the board. As things currently stand, the Broncos have five total picks, and their first selection is in the third round, No. 67 overall.

    However, free agency has slowed, and the Broncos have filled out much of the roster with 73 players under contract. Assuming they stand pat with the picks they have, the Broncos would have 12 roster spots left for undrafted rookies or additional free agents.

    It helps, though, to know where things stand with the roster at this point. Knowing the state of the roster will help in determining what needs should be filled through the draft or free agency.

    Let's look at each position to see where things stand.

    Quarterback

    Jan 1, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

    Russell Wilson enters 2023 as the starter and free agent addition Jarrett Stidham was signed to be the backup. The Broncos also have Jarrett Guarantano, who signed late in 2022, as the current third-string QB.

    I don't see the Broncos adding another QB in free agency. I wouldn't rule out the draft, though, because it might help to add another young passer in case things don't work out with Wilson. Personally, I'm not comfortable going in with Stidham and Guarantano as the depth behind Wilson.

    Running Back

    Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) runs with with ball in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field.

    The Broncos signed Samaje Perine in free agency, then later added Tony Jones Jr. They join Javonte Williams, Damarea Crockett, Tyler Badie, and Tyreik McAlister on the roster.

    Because the Broncos have several younger running backs under contract, they may be content with the depth and not draft a back. However, if things remain uncertain with Williams to open the season, the Broncos could add a veteran free agent.

    In fact, free agency might be better than drafting a back because it would help to have a little more experience in the room in case Williams can't go. I'm okay with letting Crockett, McAlister, and Badie compete for the final spot on the depth chart.

    Michael Burton was added to be the team's fullback, though it's possible the Broncos could add an undrafted rookie.

    Wide Receiver

    Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) is congratulated by wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium.

    The Broncos have reportedly taken calls from teams interested in Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy but have made no move to deal them away. While a trade can't be ruled out, we should assume they are the top two on the roster unless a trade happens.

    Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler are expected to be recovered from injuries, the Broncos will return Kendall Hinton, Jalen Virgil, Montrell Washington, and Brandon Johnson, plus the Broncos added Marquez Callaway and Lil'Jordan Humphrey in free agency.

    Unless the Broncos trade a receiver, I don't see them adding another one in free agency. As for the draft, it won't surprise me if the Broncos focus on undrafted rookies, particularly guys who returned punts and kicks in college.

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    Tight End

    Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (80) runs for yards after catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.

    There are just three tight ends on the roster: Greg Dulcich, Chris Manhertz, and Albert Okwuegbanum. Thus, it would be wise for the Broncos to add one in the draft.

    Free agency can't be ruled out, either, but such players would likely be on one-year deals. And considering that Okwuegbanum is in the final year of his contract, drafting a tight end is something I'd say should be a priority.

    Offensive Tackle

    Mike McGlinchey Denver Broncos Free Agent Target

    The Broncos appear to be set with Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey as their starting tackles. After that, the Broncos currently have fifth-year veteran Isaiah Prince and exclusive rights free agent Quinn Bailey as the other tackles with experience.

    With Christian DiLauro the only other tackle on the roster, adding a tackle in the draft would be a good idea. The Broncos haven't drafted an offensive tackle since they took Bolles in the first round of 2017. While they may not find a future starter, the Broncos could find a worthy swing tackle in the later rounds.

    It's also possible the Broncos add a free agent for depth. Cameron Fleming, who was solid in 2022, remains unsigned.

    Offensive Guard

    Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Powers (72) blocks against the Washington Football Team at FedExField.

    Ben Powers and Quinn Meinerz are penciled in as the starting guards. Parker Ferguson, Will Sherman, and Hunter Thedford are the current depth players.

    It won't surprise me if the Broncos look to add a guard in the draft for depth. Free agency can't be ruled out, of course, but the draft seems more likely. It's worth noting that Dalton Risner, who has a lot of starting experience, remains unsigned.

    Center

    Lloyd Cushenberry Denver Broncos Center

    For the time being, Lloyd Cushenberry III is the starting center. However, adding another center in the draft who can compete for the starting job would be a good idea.

    The Broncos adding Kyle Fuller in free agency would indicate they don't plan to add another center through that means. The Broncos do have Luke Wattenberg, but he might be viewed as a better fit at guard — and while he struggled in his only game action last year, that's not unusual for late-round picks, and there's the chance he could improve with better coaching.

    Defensive Line

    Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (97) reacts to a play in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High.

    Right now, the Broncos have D.J. Jones, Zach Allen, Matt Henningsen, Jonathan Harris, Mike Purcell, and Eyioma Uwazurike as experienced defensive linemen. Elijah Garcia and Jordan Jackson are the others under contract.

    The Broncos seem to like Henningsen, so I don't think they'll draft somebody to be a starter. The more likely route is Denver looks for depth among drafted or undrafted rookies.

    Outside Linebacker

    Baron Browning, Randy Gregory

    Baron Browning and Randy Gregory are penciled in as the starters with Nik Bonitto, Jake Martin, and Jonathon Cooper the top depth guys. Aaron Patrick has limited game experience and Christopher Allen spent 2022 on injured reserve.

    Allen has potential but it remains to be seen whether he can become part of the rotation. Also, Gregory's injury history remains a concern. Perhaps Bonitto takes another step forward, but I'd say the Broncos might want to think about adding an edge rusher in the draft.

    Inside Linebacker

    Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) as linebacker Josey Jewell (47) defends in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.

    The Broncos brought back Alex Singleton and he'll start alongside Josey Jewell. Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad, and Ray Wilson are the current depth players.

    It seems I keep repeating the need to draft players to fill out the depth chart but here we are again. At the very least, the Broncos need to sign an undrafted rookie or two.

    Cornerback

    Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) breaks up a pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a game at Allegiant Stadium.

    Patrick Surtain II is the team's top cornerback and Damarri Mathis is the No. 2 guy at this point. K'Waun Williams is a solid slot corner and Tremon Smith, added primarily for his work as a returner, does provide depth.

    After that, the only depth player with extensive experience is Essang Bassey. The likes of Faion Hicks, Delonte Hood, Ja'Quan McMillian, and Devon Key lack experience.

    Once again, you have a need that may be best filled via the draft or an undrafted rookie, though it's possible the Broncos look at a cheap free agent after the draft.

    Safety

    Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

    Justin Simmons tops the depth chart, of course, and there is hope that Caden Sterns will be healthy to be the No. 2 guy. The Broncos brought back P.J. Locke and haven't given up on 2022 draft pick Delarrin Turner-Yell.

    But with just four safeties on the roster, I think it's safe to say the Broncos aren't done adding players at this position. If they don't draft a safety, free agency will likely be utilized.

    Kareem Jackson remains unsigned, but he's been in the NFL for 14 seasons, and he might be contemplating retirement.

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