Two seasons, eleven total wins, a videotaping scandal, and the complete dismantling of a roster all define the Josh McDaniels era in Denver. In his brief tenure as the Broncos' head coach, McDaniels managed to strip the team of four of its best offensive players including franchise quarterback Jay Cutler and his favorite target Brandon Marshall. Meanwhile, McDaniels essentially ignored the defense, leaving it in shambles for John Fox and company.
2011 NFL Draft Team Needs: Denver Broncos
Broncos fans will welcome an opportunity to start from scratch. The rebuilding process starts with the 2011 NFL Draft. The Broncos will undoubtedly be looking to adress the defense early and often this spring. Denver allowed 4.7 yards per carry on the ground good for 31st in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Broncos managed to accumulate a league worst 23 sacks. John Fox will install his 4-3 defense and will need to find the players to fit his scheme this offseason. Defensive tackle, linebacker, and defensive end have to be the main areas of concern. Brian Dawkins is also over the hill and should be replaced.
The Broncos are a bit of an enigma offensively. Tim Tebow was a definite bright spot for this team towards the end of a disastrous 2010 campaign. However, the new regime is reportedly not sold on the former Gator. Thus a quarterback controversy could be in full swing this offseason between Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow. If Tebow wins the job, a new right tackle will be a necessity. Ryan Harris has struggled at to stay on the field and is a free agent. Denver will need to find someone to protect Tim Tebow's blind side.
McDaniels inherited a talented roster and managed to completely deconstruct it piece by piece. Now, John Fox and John Elway have the unenviable task of restoring this franchise.
With the number of needs the Broncos have, I feel I would not do this post justice by listing just the top three. I am going to list the top three and then two secondary needs after that.
1. Defensive Tackle - Switching to the 4-3 will require the Broncos to add at least a pair of defensive tackles in the 2011 NFL Draft. Denver lost Justin bannan, Jamal Williams, and Ronald Fields this offseason. Luckily, they are in position to potentially have their choice between Auburn's Nick Fairly and Alabama's Marcell Dareus with the second overall pick.
2. Linebacker - Outside of D.J. Williams the Broncos have very little talent at the linebacker spot. Joe Mays, Wesley Morgan, and Mario Hagan are not going to shut down opposing rushers. Denver should be able to land a talented prospect in round two or three of the NFL Draft. Greg Jones, Bruce Carter, and Mason Foster all come to mind.
3. Safety - Brian Dawkins is a shell of the player he once was. While he is still a tremendous leader, his coverage skills have eroded over the years. They need to start grooming his successor. The 2011 NFL Draft does not have many strong first round safety prospects, but players like Deandre McDaniel will be around in the middle rounds.
Secondary Needs
1. Defensive End - Without Elvis Dumervil in the lineup in 2010, the Broncos register the fewest sacks in the NFL. Dumervil returns in 2011 but will be thrust into a new role as a 4-3 defensive end. Dumervil is talented enough to fit any scheme, but he surely won't be as dominant with his hand in the ground. Meanwhile, Josh McDaniels curiously drafted Robert Ayers for his 3-4 despite the fact that the Tennessee product is a better fit for the 4-3. Still, his development is well behind schedule and there is no telling what the Broncos will get out of either player. A day two pick could be spent on the position if a guy like Da'Quan Bowers or Adrian Clayborn falls out of the first round.
2. Right Tackle - Ryan Harris has struggled to stay healthy and is a free agent this offseason. The Broncos need to protect Tim Tebow’s blind side. The 2011 NFL Draft has plenty of depth at tackle in the middle rounds.
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