Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season.

You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more daily updates on Twitter.

A month ago, a second receiver to pair with Courtland Sutton seemed to be toward the top of the offseason priority list and many mock drafts had Denver going with one in the first round. Do you think the apparent chemistry between Drew Lock and DaeSean Hamilton the last two games along with Noah Fant‘s late-season emergence has changed the need? Or do you think they will still prioritize adding another downfield threat?

— Steve, Forks, Wash.

Good question and let’s start the draft talk. I think the Broncos need a receiver that can provide big-play ability alongside Sutton. Teams double-teamed Sutton during the second half of the season, particularly in the red zone, and the Broncos didn’t have a consistent answer. Sutton still finished with 72 catches for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns. Fant’s development (40 catches-562 yards) is separate from the need for a receiver, although a speedy wideout would also open things up for him. Hamilton is interesting. He was spinning his wheels for most of the year with 17 catches in first 14 games, but had 11 receptions in the last two games. He merits a chance as does Tim Patrick. Would you argue with a top four in 2020 of Sutton, CeeDee Lamb/Jerry Jeudy, Hamilton and Patrick? You shouldn’t.

OK, Drew Lock looks like he’s locked in to be our quarterback. What happens to Joe Flacco? I can’t imagine he’ll be part of the roster next year. He’s slow and doesn’t fit our system, as we saw this season. Can we send him to Washington like we sent Case Keenum last year? Brandon Allen looks more like he’s the part for the backup job anyways.

— Michael Rogers, Colorado Springs

Flacco could never really get out of the blocks and it’s not all his fault. In eight games, he was sacked 26 times and had six touchdowns and five interceptions. He was shut down after the Indianapolis game (neck injury). Regardless of the system fit, it makes no financial sense to keep him. If the Broncos cut Flacco (once he passes a physical), they will absorb a $13.6 million “dead” cap charge, but also create $10.05 million in space. Trading him would be a boon, but it’s doubtful there would be any takers. As for Allen, he could be a good fit as the backup because Lock and him have a good relationship and Allen’s football smarts will only help Lock.

Shelby Harris played lights out this season. I think we have to re-sign him. What do you say?

— Kyle, Fort Collins

I agree Harris was a consistent producer once the Broncos moved him from nose tackle to defensive end beginning in Week 5. He had 49 tackles and his nine pass break-ups were most among NFL defensive linemen. A bonus for his next contract is he had six sacks and pass-rushing ability is always coveted among 3-4 linemen. But do the Broncos prioritize Derek Wolfe instead? If Harris gets a multi-year deal elsewhere averaging $7 million, that would be too much for him to pass up and the Broncos would turn to Dre’Mont Jones.

Ryan, what impressed you most about the Broncos this year? For me, it’s the potential we have with the young players who emerged — Sutton and Lock in particular. Do you think this team has the tools to make a run at the playoffs next season? And what do you think they need to improve most? Thank you for all you do!

— Devon, Golden

Most impressive parts about this Broncos season: 1. They didn’t go in the tank after an 0-4 start and especially when they were 3-8 entering December. 2. The steady play of Lock, who was 4-1 as the starter and didn’t appear to be overwhelmed by the stage. 3. Sutton’s year of drawing penalties (at least one in each of the last 10 games) and athleticism to win 50-50 passes. 4. The play on defense of defensive end Shelby Harris, inside linebacker Alexander Johnson, nose tackle Mike Purcell and safeties Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons. As for a playoff run, if the Broncos get improvement from their in-house players and hit on multiple draft picks, they should compete for a wild card berth. The biggest area for improvement is scoring points. The Broncos finished 28th in scoring (17.5). Thanks for reading.

Alexander Johnson has been playing exciting football. I believe Josey Jewell also would be thriving if he had been playing since the shift in philosophy with more beef up front. He maybe is a more complete player than Johnson. But my main question is during the season with injuries to Andy Janovich and multiple tight ends, would Jewell be considered at fullback with his background as a running back?

— Shawna Fritzler, Milliken

Interesting thought, one I hadn’t considered. Johnson did play well once he became a starter in Week 5, finishing with 95 tackles (second on the team). And you’re right about the personnel change to help the run defense — inserting Mike Purcell at nose tackle and Johnson at linebacker were good decisions. As for Jewell, never thought about him being a fullback option. Andrew Beck did well once Janovich sustained a season-ending elbow injury. I would make sure Beck is on the roster next year because of his versatility.

This is how I would like to see the Broncos’ draft unfold. First round: Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons. Second round: Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood. Third round: Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith. Third round: Clemson guard John Simpson or Kansas guard Hakeem Adeniji. Third round: Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr. Fourth round: Utah nose tackle Leki Fotu or Mississippi nose tackle Benito Jones. Fourth round: Alabama running back Najee Harris or Boston College running back AJ Dillon. Sixth round: Utah safety Julian Blackmon. Seventh round: Wyoming linebacker Logan Wilson. I don’t think Wilson will last this long, but you never know. Also, I would like to see Florida receiver Tyrie Cleveland invited to camp. I really haven’t done a lot of research yet but this is my initial draft. Thanks for the time Ryan. I enjoy your articles.

— Daniel Ballinger, Franklin, Mass.

Thanks for reading and it sure looks like you’ve done a lot of initial draft research. The good part for me is I’ve done enough draft study so far that I knew the college for all the players except Benito Jones. I sure liked watching Simmons play in Clemson’s game against Ohio State but he looks like more of a safety than inside linebacker. A receiver in the opening rounds? I’m fine with that. Multiple offensive linemen? Makes sense, particularly in a search for a new right guard. Nose tackle? A luxury considering Mike Purcell is a restricted free agent. Running back help? Maybe in undrafted free agency because Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman proved capable on third down this year. Linebacker? Depending on Todd Davis’ contract option, the Broncos could turn back to Josey Jewell or draft an inside linebacker.

Ryan, I know being on an NFL beat requires lots of travel. What’s your favorite place to go when you’re on the road?

— Tobias, Parker

Great question. I won’t include Washington and Jacksonville, two markets I previously worked in and like to visit. My top five. 1. N.Y. Giants/Jets (great to hit New York City the day before the game); 2. Seattle (a great walking city with solid restaurants; 3. Chicago (see Seattle); 4. Los Angeles (hadn’t spent much time there until last year and like visiting Manhattan Beach); 5. Green Bay (tough to get to, but Lambeau Field is full of history).