Denver Broncos Team Needs and Offseason Headquarters Page

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos finished last season on the lowest of low notes, getting absolutely hammered in the Super Bowl by the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite Denver’s blowout loss, this is still the 2nd best team in the NFL going into next season. Seattle will defend their NFL crown, but the Broncos remain the team to beat in the AFC and have gotten significantly better defensively through some major free agent acquisitions.

In the early stages of the free agent period, John Elway brought in Pro Bowl defenders T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib, and DeMarcus Ware. They also signed receiver Emmanuel Sanders from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Denver is primed for another Super Bowl run with MVP Peyton Manning, but they will also have to overcome a significant amount of roster turnover.

Player Movement

Players Lost

• CB Champ Bailey (Saints)
• DE Robert Ayers (Giants)
• DE/LB Shaun Phillips (Titans)
• RB Knowshon Moreno (Dolphins)
• CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Giants)
• KR Trindon Holliday (Giants)
• LB Wesley Woodyard (Titans)
• DE Jeremy Mincey (Cowboys)
• OG Zane Beadles (Jaguars)
• OG Chris Kuper (retired)
• WR Eric Decker (Jets)

Players Added

• OL Will Montgomery (Redskins)
• OT Winston Justice (re-signed)
• WR Andre Caldwell (re-signed)
• WR Emmanuel Sanders (Steelers)
• DE DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys)
• CB Aqib Talib (Patriots)
• S T.J. Ward (Browns)
• CB Chris Harris (re-signed RFA)
• S Duke Ihenacho (tendered)
• DT Mitch Unrein (tendered)
• CB Tony Carter (tendered)

Broncos Team Needs

1. Inside Linebacker

The Broncos have alternated between Paris Lenon, Keith Brooking, Joe Mays, and Wesley Woodyard over the last three seasons. None of those players are in Denver anymore. Nate Irving, a 3rd round pick in 2011 is penciled in as the starting ‘MIKE’ for now, but the Broncos could upgrade this position in the 1st round.

2. Center/Guard

With Zane Beadles gone, the Broncos have a few options of addressing their offensive line. Chris Clark played well enough to be the right tackle so Orlando Franklin could move to left guard if needed. Manny Ramirez was a guard before taking over as the center in Denver last season. The team signed Will Montgomery who is also a center/guard. They have options but drafting another offensive lineman will give a hint as to their plans.

3. Cornerback

The Broncos have Aqib Talib and Chris Harris cemented as the top two corners. Last year’s third rounder Kayvon Webster figures to take over as the nickel back but Denver needs some insurance at the position if Harris’ recovery doesn’t go according to plan. They also aren’t overly deep at this spot like they were a year ago.

4. Wide Receiver

5. Safety

6. Running Back

Draft Picks

1 (31)
2 (63)
3 (95)
4 (131)
5 (171)
6 (207)
7 (246)