The Denver Broncos had a pretty successful 2014. Overall, they were first in the AFC West with a record of 12-4, and despite injuries to key players, the offense was one of the best in the league. Peyton Manning had another “Peyton-esque” season, with 39 touchdown passes for a total of 4,727 yards. Third-string running back C.J. Anderson stepped up with 10 total touchdowns and over 800 rushing yards while starting just seven games after Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball were hit with injuries.
Their defense was middle of the league and somewhat unremarkable, with notable performances by a few key players. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware combined for 24 sacks on the year while safety Rahim Moore and corner Aqib Talib both picked off four passes. Brandon Marshall led the team in tackles with 119 total tackles, adding two forced fumbles, an interception and nine passes defended.
The season could have been better, especially in the playoffs when they lost in the divisional round to Peyton Manning’s former team, the Indianapolis Colts. The Denver Broncos 2015 offseason is somewhat of a make-or-break situation for the team. Let’s start with a quick disclaimer: while it is not listed here, quarterback remains a concern. Peyton Manning will be 39 at the start of the 2015 and while it is almost certain he will play, nothing has been written in stone. It goes without saying that if Manning does experience a change of heart and retire (again, very doubtful) quarterback would immediately become their main concern. Further to the issue of Manning, there is wide speculation that the Broncos may ask him to take a pay cut this year, which he may, especially if he hopes to be on a Super Bowl winning team in his last year.
Denver Broncos 2015 Offseason: Top 3 Needs
Receivers
This section is entitled “receivers”, rather than “tight ends” or “wide receivers” because the Broncos have two of both entering free agency and there will be some hard decisions. At wide receiver, Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas are up for grabs. At this point it seems likely that John Elway will either sign Thomas or put the franchise tag on him. Julius Thomas, on the other hand, is a precarious situation. He is asking for big money, and while he may not be Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, 12 touchdowns in 2014 while playing in just 13 games is a stat that speaks for itself.
Wes Welker had a negligible year in 2014, getting just over 450 yards and a couple of touchdowns. He will likely be allowed to walk when free agency hits unless he takes a major pay cut. At tight end, Jacob Tamme is also up for grabs this year, and if they continue to rely on a two-pronged offense that involves a heavy rushing attack, he will be a good asset. It remains to be seen whether Virgil Green, another 26-year-old tight end, will be able to step up as a regular pass catcher.
Keeping Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas seems nearly impossible, and if it were to happen, there would be nearly no money left for other positions.
Safety
Rahim Moore is likely to leave, as he may ask for more money than the Broncos are willing to drop on him. He will not be a difficult player to replace and a possible option is the draft. Quinton Carter is their other free safety but injuries have basically rendered him a liability as a starting option. Unfortunately, with regard to the draft, this season does not have a great offering in terms of elite free safeties. Similarly, the free agent pool does not have a wealth of free agent safeties that will produce better than Moore while costing less. A couple of value free safeties include the Colts’ Sergio Brown, who is a great special teamer but is not an elite starter by a long shot, and the Dolphins’ Louis Delmas, who could be a bargain due to an injury last year if he is cleared as healthy by the medical staff.
Cody Prewitt of Ole Miss, widely considered the best free safety in this year’s draft, may be an option when the Broncos select at number 28, but that is only if they decide to take a safety right out of the gate. However, if they miss Prewitt, Chris Hackett (TCU) or Gerod Holliman (Louisville) will likely be available until round three.
Defensive Tackle
Terrance Knighton is now an important piece in the Denver Broncos’ defense more than ever before. This is because they will likely shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme under Wade Phillips. Unfortunately, he will be able to ask for a raise this year and money is getting tight in Denver this offseason. Knighton is a talented run stopper, and in a 3-4 setting, he will perform admirably at nose tackle, but the Broncos will have to drop money to keep him. They will probably have little money for potential free agent defensive tackles such as the Ndamukong Suh (Lions), Nick Fairley (Lions), Damon Harrison (Jets), or Cedric Thornton (Eagles).
In short, the draft will probably be the place the Broncos will find their new defensive tackle, and this year is a great one to seek prospects at the position. Whether they decide to go for a defensive tackle in the first, second, or third round (they will need to select early), there is plenty of talent. Danny Shelton (Washington) and Eddie Goldman (Florida State) are early options, but Carl Davis (Iowa) and Joey Mbu (Houston) may be available later.
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