Without free agency to this point the Denver Broncos ability to upgrade their roster has been hampered. Denver is making the switch from the 3-4 back to the 4-3 defense and has needs at a number of positions on both offense and defense. Those needs include help at nearly every position on the front seven, safety, running back, receiver and offensive tackle.
Denver Broncos 2011 Team Needs: Defensive Draft But Needs Remain
The Denver Broncos went defense on four of their first five picks in the 2011 NFL draft so here’s a look at what needs remain as we await on free agency.
With four of their first five draft picks on defense, it’s clear where the Broncos felt they needed help.
Needs addressed in the 2011 NFL draft: The Broncos didn't address a couple of their largest needs along the front seven instead staying true to the best player available model. They selected two linebackers -- Von Miller in the first round and Nate Irving in the third round. (Note: Bill Parcells had Irving as his second best inside linebacker in the draft so it's not as if Irving is a nobody.) Denver also picked up a pair of safeties to add to an aging unit in Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter. They also added a pair of tight ends that can help the quarterback in the pass game and running back in the run game.
Remaining needs: Lots of ‘em. The Broncos have some talent at a few core positions but this is really a roster that hasn’t had an infusion of talent in a couple of years. Plus, they’re making the switch from the 3-4 back to the 4-3 so even some of their good players along the front seven are unknowns because of that scheme switch. The largest remaining needs after the draft are defensive tackle, running back and receiver. The Broncos had what I felt was a dire need at defensive tackle but they stuck to their best player available model and did not pick up a defensive tackle. So when they enter free agency, the top need is defensive tackle.
Free agency options: Once we figure out exactly what free agency will entail (or if it will even happen), the Broncos need to be early participants. SB Nation's Mile High Report passes along these free agency defensive tackle options: Brandon Mebane, Barry Cofield, Daniel Muir and Anthony Hargrove. Defensive tackles are sort of like quarterback in that, once you find a good one, you don't let them hit free agency. That's why this will be a difficult search for Denver. The second move the Broncos should make is looking at free agent running backs. To provide a little spark to this offense, I would suggest someone like Darren Sproles, who could leave San Diego. There are always a number of veteran running backs available on the open market. MHR suggests Joseph Addai, Cedric Benson or DeAngelo Williams. The Broncos other needs will include right tackle if they lose Ryan Harris to free agency as well as receiver. I'm not sure the rebuilding Broncos will take a chance on someone like Terrell Owens or Randy Moss so the receiver free agency options are limited.
The Broncos have a number of needs to fill but none bigger than defensive tackle. Unfortunately, there won’t be a long-term fix for that this offseason. They’ll hit that in the next draft but what’s promising is the focus on defense early in the draft. It’s still early, but John Elways appears to know what he’s doing in Denver.
Check out Mile High Report for more on the Broncos.
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