2015 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

2015 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

By Shawn Spencer

April 10, 2015

Denver Broncos' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Denver Broncos — In what may be the final season of Peyton Manning's career, the Denver Broncos must surround the veteran QB with enough talent to make one final run at a championship. With numerous holes on the roster, John Elway and company have a lot of work to do in order for the Broncos to catch the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in the AFC. Here are the five positions which must be addressed prior to the start of the 2015 season.

In what may be the final season of Peyton Manning's career, the Denver Broncos must surround the veteran QB with enough talent to make one final run at a championship. With numerous holes on the roster, John Elway and company have a lot of work to do in order for the Broncos to catch the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in the AFC. Here are the five positions which must be addressed prior to the start of the 2015 season.

5. Cornerback

Aqib Talib Broncos

5. Cornerback

Aqib Talib Broncos — The cornerback position will become more of an issue if Aqib Talib ends up being charged with a crime following an assault investigation in Dallas. If he misses any time, the Broncos' secondary will be very thin. Bradley Roby, who played well as the nickelback last season, would most likely have to move outside with Tony Carter, Kayvon Webster and Omar Bolden also competing for snaps.

The cornerback position will become more of an issue if Aqib Talib ends up being charged with a crime following an assault investigation in Dallas. If he misses any time, the Broncos' secondary will be very thin. Bradley Roby, who played well as the nickelback last season, would most likely have to move outside with Tony Carter, Kayvon Webster and Omar Bolden also competing for snaps.

4. Guard

Shelley Smith Dolphins

Advertisement

4. Guard

Shelley Smith Dolphins — The Broncos have multiple needs on the offensive line. The team signed Shelley Smith from the Miami Dolphins, but Smith and Louis Vasquez aren't exactly the most reliable linemen to be protecting an aging pocket-passer like Manning. Manny Ramirez is expected to start at center, so Denver loses his versatility. Expect the Broncos to target multiple offensive linemen in the draft.

The Broncos have multiple needs on the offensive line. The team signed Shelley Smith from the Miami Dolphins, but Smith and Louis Vasquez aren't exactly the most reliable linemen to be protecting an aging pocket-passer like Manning. Manny Ramirez is expected to start at center, so Denver loses his versatility. Expect the Broncos to target multiple offensive linemen in the draft.

3. Right Tackle

Chris Clark Broncos

3. Right Tackle

Chris Clark Broncos — Another position along the line that needs to be addressed is right tackle. Chris Clark started seven games last year and is expected to be the Week 1 starter in 2015. While he's an above-average pass protector, he struggles in the running game. With new head coach Gary Kubiak moving to a more balanced offense, Clark's struggles could become a major problem.

Another position along the line that needs to be addressed is right tackle. Chris Clark started seven games last year and is expected to be the Week 1 starter in 2015. While he's an above-average pass protector, he struggles in the running game. With new head coach Gary Kubiak moving to a more balanced offense, Clark's struggles could become a major problem.

2. Fullback

Connor Neighbors LSU

2. Fullback

Connor Neighbors LSU — Speaking of Kubiak's move to a more balanced offense, he's bringing the fullback position back to Denver. Whether it was Vonta Leach or Lawrence Vickers, Kubiak loved a fullback who could lead the way for Arian Foster when he was head coach of the Houston Texans. Now in Denver, the only FB on the roster is converted TE Joe Don Duncan. LSU FB Connor Neighbors would be a great addition on Day 3 of the draft.

Speaking of Kubiak's move to a more balanced offense, he's bringing the fullback position back to Denver. Whether it was Vonta Leach or Lawrence Vickers, Kubiak loved a fullback who could lead the way for Arian Foster when he was head coach of the Houston Texans. Now in Denver, the only FB on the roster is converted TE Joe Don Duncan. LSU FB Connor Neighbors would be a great addition on Day 3 of the draft.

1. Nose Tackle

Terrance Knighton Broncos

1. Nose Tackle

Terrance Knighton Broncos — After losing Terrance Knighton to the Washington Redskins, the Broncos are in need of a nose tackle. Sylvester Williams is the current No. 1 on the depth chart, but that could change after the draft. Danny Shelton and Malcom Brown may not be available, but a big-bodied NT like Eddie Goldman or Jordan Phillips is certainly a possibility in Round 1 of the draft.

After losing Terrance Knighton to the Washington Redskins, the Broncos are in need of a nose tackle. Sylvester Williams is the current No. 1 on the depth chart, but that could change after the draft. Danny Shelton and Malcom Brown may not be available, but a big-bodied NT like Eddie Goldman or Jordan Phillips is certainly a possibility in Round 1 of the draft.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears’ 5 Biggest Needs

2015 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers’ 5 Biggest Needs

Teams in this article »

Denver Broncos

Share On Facebook

Share