Broncos NFL Draft Needs: Defensive Pieces Needed

The Denver Broncos big offseason prize was Peyton Manning but they still have the 2012 NFL draft to get better. The Broncos could use help at a couple of defensive spots (defensive tackle and cornerback) as well as receiver. SB Nation's Broncos blog, Mile High Report, listed the Broncos needs entering Thursday's draft:

The Denver Broncos' top three needs heading into the draft are at defensive tackle, running back, and cornerback or wide receiver. There are a lot of people who feel like Denver's need at corner is a lot more pressing than I do, since they currently have about seven or eight guys I would be just fine with going into camp. Wide receiver is another situation entirely, where our current number three is Andre Caldwell, and behind him there is really no one that I'm comfortable with right now. That being said, the top two needs are definite, almost set in stone. The Broncos lost Brodrick Bunkley and still haven't re-signed Marcus Thomas, and the defensive tackle position is as big a question mark as it has been in years The two projected starters--Kevin Vickerson and Ty Warren--are both coming off of season-ending injuries suffered before the year even started. At running back, the Broncos have a Pro Bowler in Willis McGahee, but he wasn't completely durable carrying a full workload. Knowshon Moreno is looking more and more like a bust and the Broncos lack depth at the running back position. They will be looking to add a back in the first three rounds, most likely.

For more news and notes on the Denver Broncos, visit Mile High Report and SB Nation Denver. Check out SB Nation's 2012 NFL mock draft as selected by NFL bloggers. And make sure to visit SB Nation's draft blog, Mocking The Draft, for more on the NFL draft.