Fansided
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft Team Needs: Breaking Down All 32 Teams

By George Stockburger

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 31
Next
Nov 5, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Former NFL quarterback and current vice president of football operations and general manager for the Denver Broncos John Elway on the sideline before the game between the California Golden Bears and the Washington Huskies at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Former NFL quarterback and current vice president of football operations and general manager for the Denver Broncos John Elway on the sideline before the game between the California Golden Bears and the Washington Huskies at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos

Key Draft Needs: OL, TE, DT

Record: 8-6

Offensive Line – Denver has allowed 40 sacks this season, the third most in football. Trevor Siemian has been banged up in his first year as the Broncos starter, and rookie Paxton Lynch has been forced into the fire early because of it. Finding a blue chip offensive tackle will be the top priority on John Elway’s wish list, as will some interior help.

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman (82) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman (82) works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End – Virgil Green has just 19 catches for 220 yards this season, and appeared to have suffered a concussion in week 15. Julius Thomas has yet to be replaced, and second year back up Jeff Heuerman will not be the long-term answer. Expect Bucky Hodges, Jake Butt, or another top five collegiate tight end to find themselves in Denver.

Defensive Tackle –  Malik Jackson is another player that has departed in free agency Elway has not properly replaced. Sylvester Williams will be a free agent after this season, making the need to find a starting nose tackle even more dire for the Broncos. A second or third round pick can be spent finding a run-stopper for Denver, who have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards this season.

Home/NFL Draft