Broncos Have Two Big 'Starter' Holes per PFF
There isn't much Denver Broncos buzz with less than two weeks to go until the 2023 NFL draft, given that they have just five picks this year.
I've previously examined how the Broncos need to shore up the depth chart. There are other opinions out there, though, which brings us to Pro Football Focus' Brad Spielberger, who has previously written about cap and roster management.
Spielberger examined all 32 teams to determine their draft capital and remaining roster needs. For the Broncos, he identified cornerback and safety as starter needs, with center and linebacker as depth needs.
• Remaining starter needs: CB, S
• Remaining depth needs: C, LB
Spielberger identified the Broncos' secondary as having questions outside of Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons. Granted, the Broncos do have some young defensive backs with potential, but how they develop over the long term remains to be seen.
Safety Caden Sterns showed promise as a rookie but missed most of 2022 with a hip injury. Cornerback Damarri Mathis got thrown into the fire after Ronald Darby tore his ACL last year and, while he struggled at first, showed more promise down the stretch.
I'm not as concerned about cornerback as others may be, though it certainly wouldn't hurt to add another through the draft. Mathis has what it takes to be a capable No. 2 cornerback. Safety, though, is something the Broncos should consider given the concerns about Sterns' health.
As for center, that's definitely a concern, given Lloyd Cushenberry III's struggles. Linebacker depth would help, but a bigger question might be the Broncos' defensive line.
Still, Spielberger wasn't down on the Broncos as much as some people may be. But he said there is one question that must be answered above all else.
While there are some holes to poke here, the doom and gloom about this situation may have gone a bit too far. In the end, Russell Wilson needs to get back to form.
Ah, Wilson. The Broncos acquired him and extended him in hopes that he would turn 'round the franchise's fortunes, only for things to fall apart on offense.
Perhaps it was Wilson. Perhaps it was the coaching. Perhaps it was both, but more about one than the other. Regardless, the Broncos' fate in 2023 ultimately hinges on Wilson's performance.
But truth be told, the Broncos aren't in a dire situation when it comes to the roster. What Denver needs is for things to fall into place and not have a repeat of 2022 — and much of that will come down to Wilson's performance under head coach Sean Payton.
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