Summary

Denver finished the season at 9-7 last year after winning the Super Bowl in 2015-2016. They are in a very tough AFC West and will be looking to get back into the playoffs this season.

The offensive side of the ball was clearly the problem for the Broncos last season. They averaged just 20.8 points per game and were in the bottom half of the league in terms of passing and rushing yards per game.

Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch will probably be the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart next season. If Siemian doesn’t perform Lynch will get his chance. C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker are serviceable running backs, but could be upgraded. The Broncos have two great receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but could use some depth behind them.

The real area that needs improvement is the offensive line. Ronald Leary was signed to play left guard, but the tackles still need to be upgraded.

Defensively, The Broncos were great at pass defense, as they were the only team in the league to give up fewer than 3,000 yards through the air. Denver does need to improve in the trenches. They gave up the fourth most rushing yards in the league.

With their pass defense, they don’t need much secondary help. The Broncos do however need to improve their defensive line. Defensive tackle and end are huge needs and have to help stop the run. The linebackers are solid, but Todd Brown could be upgraded, but it’s not a huge need.

Picks and Needs

The Broncos have ten picks in this draft, but three of those are in the seventh round. Denver isn’t too far off from getting back into the playoffs, but needs to make the most of these picks.

First round: (1) No. 20

Second round: (1) No. 51

Third round: (2) No. 82, 101

Fourth round: (1) No. 127

Fifth round: (1) No. 177

Sixth round: (1) No. 203

Seventh round: (3) No. 238, No. 252, No. 253

These needs are in no particular order.