Roster Changes

 

Key additions

QB Joe Flacco, OT Ja’Wuan James, OLB Dekoda Watson, CB Bryce Callahan, DB Kareem Jackson

 

Key losses

WR Andre Holmes, WR Jordan Taylor, TE Matt LaCosse, OT Jared Veldheer, G Max Garcia, G Billy Turner, C Matt Paradis, DT Domata Peko, OLB Shaquil Barrett, OLB Shane Ray, ILB Brandon Marshall, CB Bradley Roby, CB Tramaine Brock, S Darian Stewart

 

2019 draft class

TE Noah Fant (1.20), G Dalton Risner (2.41), QB Drew Lock (2.42), DE Dre’Mont Jones (3.71), OLB Justin Hollins (5.156), WR Juwann Winfree (6.187)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Joe Flacco
RB: Phillip Lindsay
WR: Courtland Sutton
WR: Emmanuel Sanders
WR: DaeSean Hamilton
TE: Noah Fant
LT: Garett Bolles
LG: Ronald Leary
C: Connor McGovern
RG: Dalton Risner
RT: Ja’Wuan James

 

Defense

DT: Derek Wolfe
DT: Adam Gotsis
OLB: Von Miller
ILB: Josey Jewell
ILB: Todd Davis
OLB: Bradley Chubb
CB: Chris Harris
CB: Bryce Callahan
CB: Isaac Yiadom
S: Kareem Jackson
S: Justin Simmons

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Drew Lock, RB Royce Freeman, RB Devontae Booker, FB Andy Janovich, WR Tim Patrick, WR Juwann Winfree, TE Troy Fumagalli, TE Jeff Heuerman, TE Jake Butt, G Chaz Green, G Elijah Wilkinson, DT Shelby Harris, DT Zach Kerr, DE Dre’Mont Jones, DE DeMarcus Walker, OLB Jeff Holland, OLB Justin Hollins, ILB Dekoda Watson, ILB Keishawn Bierria, CB Brendan Langley, S William Parks, S Su’a Cravens

 

Biggest strength: Outside linebacker

With former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller (14.5 sacks last season) on one side and 2018 fifth-overall pick Bradley Chubb (12.0 sacks) on the other, Denver’s pass rush is clearly the strength of their roster. The lethal edge duo will once again be key in getting after the AFC West passing attacks, and Vic Fangio’s scheme could even make things easier on them. Also, Jeff Holland and Justin Hollins will look to provide solid play off the bench.

 

Biggest weakness: Center

The Broncos aren’t in terrible shape with Connor McGovern ready to step in, but it will be difficult to replace Matt Paradis at the pivot. That said, the upgrades on the right side with free-agent signing Ja’Wuan James (right tackle) and No. 41 pick Dalton Risner (right guard) should allow everyone to be better, and McGovern has started 20 of the past 21 games for Denver.

 

Position battle to watch: Cornerback

Chris Harris and Bryce Callahan will obviously be on the field (and it’s interesting that the Broncos now have two of the best slot corners in the league), but the third cornerback spot will be up for grabs. Kareem Jackson (five-foot-ten) will likely play safety—which is a smart move considering the height of Harris (five-foot-ten) and Callahan (five-foot-nine)—so Isaac Yiadom (a long six-foot-one) can give Denver the size needed to match up with Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams in the division.

 

One more thought

Two of John Elway’s biggest additions this offseason are clear—quarterback Joe Flacco and head coach Vic Fangio—but the third is likely offensive line coach Mike Munchak. The Hall of Fame guard was responsible for Pittsburgh’s success up front as much as anyone this decade, and he can completely transform Denver’s line into a run-blocking force for Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman in 2019.

 

Early over/under: 7 wins (via CBS Sports)

Over. This is tough because of the division and schedule, but I think the Broncos have all the right guys in key roles (general manager, head coach, quarterback). Like their Super Bowl 50 team, Denver will want to run the ball and get a lead to allow Von Miller and the pass rushers to go to work.