The Denver Broncos offense needed a lot of changes this off-season, most importantly at quarterback and tackle. The franchise wasted no time, making several big moves in free agency and completing the first phase of their rebuild at the 2018 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
Did they fulfil all their needs? Let\u2019s see.<\/p>\n
They included a new starting quarterback, a new right tackle, a wide receiver duo still worthy of praise, and a balanced and younger backfield.<\/p>\n
Yes, it seems.<\/p>\n
Sure it sounds fantastic now, but we need to remember we\u2019re not likely to be any closer to knowing how the Broncos have improved until training camp in July. There are the injuries that will be sustained, the rookies struggling to develop, the veterans who perhaps might not have been worth their hefty price tags.<\/p>\n
General manager John Elway<\/a><\/strong> still gleams when talking about the team\u2019s acquisitions. As quoted by Zack Kelberman<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0of 247Sports \u2013<\/p>\n \u201cWe got better on the offensive side, no question. There were some areas that we needed some players, and so we’re really excited.\u201d<\/p>\n Now\u2019s the time to break down the offense that will hopefully lead to a turnaround for the Super Bowl 50 champs.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret that Trevor Siemian<\/a><\/strong>, Brock Osweiler<\/a><\/strong>, and Paxton Lynch<\/a><\/strong> were not the dream trio Denver had hoped for. This season, hope lies in the $36 million free agent pickup Case Keenum<\/a><\/strong>. Adding a little substance is Chad Kelly<\/strong><\/a>, who, in his second year will compete with Lynch to play backup. With Lynch showing few signs of improvement in 2017, Kelly possesses better tools and would be a better match for Keenum.<\/p>\n Despite the groans of exasperation echoing through Broncos Country, Devontae Booker<\/a><\/strong> is the presumed starter heading into camp. Third-round selection Royce Freeman<\/strong><\/a> could add something extra. Together, Freeman, Booker, De\u2019Angelo Henderson<\/strong>, seventh-round pick David Williams<\/a><\/strong> and undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay<\/strong> could finally be the run game Denver desperately needs.<\/p>\n Andy Janovich<\/a><\/strong> is a valuable special teams contributor and a solid blocker. He\u2019s a fan favorite, but even then, his place on the team is shaky \u2013 the Broncos may decide against having a dedicated fullback and instead favor another spot on the roster for a running back.<\/p>\n The Broncos felt hitting Demaryius Thomas<\/a><\/strong>\u2019 salary cap figure of $12.03 million was worth the investment. With steady quarterback play – and rookies Courtland Sutton<\/a><\/strong> and DaeSean Hamilton<\/strong> – Thomas is expected to have a less \u2018boring\u2019 year. Meanwhile, Carlos Henderson<\/strong> is expected to be a reliable WR3.<\/p>\n There\u2019s speculation that it could be his final season in orange and blue, according to Kelberman. But for now, it\u2019s widely believed that Hamilton will be Emmanuel Sanders<\/a><\/strong>\u2019 successor. Whatever the case, the once formidable duo of Thomas and Sanders is expected to produce more with Keenum at the helm.<\/p>\n With his torn ACL behind him, Jake Butt<\/strong><\/a> is hungry for action on the field, and he\u2019ll probably get that, being cautiously penciled in as starting tight end. The situation with rookie Troy Fumagalli<\/strong><\/a> is simple \u2013 he should get some reps. However, making a decision between Austin Traylor<\/a><\/strong> and Jeff Heuerman<\/a><\/strong> will be quite a conundrum.<\/p>\n 2017 was a year packed with questions over Garett Bolles<\/strong><\/a>\u2019 technique and his knack for racking up penalties. But there\u2019s no disputing his tough, hit-em-hard way of keeping some of the league\u2019s strongest defenders at bay. Together with guard Ronald Leary<\/a><\/strong>, the situation is likely to improve this year.<\/p>\n Ronald Leary<\/strong> had a brief stint at right guard, and it was hindered with injuries. If he\u2019s healthier this season, he could return to being one of Denver best offensive linemen.<\/p>\n The restricted free agent hasn\u2019t missed a single snap in three seasons, so it was only right for the franchise to slap a second-round tender on Matt Paradis<\/a><\/strong>. We could be looking at a long-term extension for this center.<\/p>\n The uncertainty at this position has plagued Denver for some time. The offensive line seems reinvigorated after last year\u2019s disappointing unit \u2013 and even though Connor McGovern<\/a><\/strong> is a favorite, he will have plenty of challengers in the form of Menelik Watson<\/a><\/strong>, Max Garcia<\/a><\/strong>, Billy Turner<\/a><\/strong>, and even rookie Sam Jones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This position was a blatant need, after quarterback. Denver acquired the possible top-20 tackle from the Cardinals for a late-round pick. It\u2019s easy to see he seems to be a substantial improvement over Donald Stephenson<\/a><\/strong> and Watson.<\/p>\n At first glance, this is definitely an improved offense. And with this fresh look (and before reality kicks in), outside linebacker and \u2018star\u2019 of the Broncos Von Miller<\/a><\/strong>, can\u2019t wait to get going. \u201cAll we have to do now is get the wins.\u201d<\/p>\nHow the Denver Broncos Offense Has Improved This Off-Season<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Quarterback – Case Keenum<\/a><\/h4>\n
Running Back \u2013 Devontae Booker<\/a><\/h4>\n
Fullback – Andy Janovich<\/a><\/h4>\n
Wide Receiver \u2013 Demaryius Thomas<\/a><\/h4>\n
Wide Receiver \u2013 Emmanuel Sanders<\/a><\/h4>\n
Tight End \u2013 Jake Butt<\/h4>\n
Left Tackle \u2013 Garett Bolles<\/h4>\n
Left Guard \u2013 Ronald Leary<\/a><\/h4>\n
Center – Matt Paradis<\/a><\/h4>\n
Right Guard \u2013 Connor McGovern<\/a><\/h4>\n
Right Tackle \u2013 Jared Veldheer<\/a><\/h4>\n