Roster Changes
Key additions
QB Jeff Driskel, RB Melvin Gordon, G Graham Glasgow, DL Jurrell Casey, DL Christian Covington, CB A.J. Bouye, P Sam Martin
Key losses
QB Joe Flacco, RB Devontae Booker, RB Theo Riddick, TE Nick Vannett, G Connor McGovern, G Ronald Leary, DL Derek Wolfe, DL Adam Gotsis, CB Chris Harris, CB Cyrus Jones, S Will Parks
2020 draft class
WR Jerry Jeudy (1.15), WR K.J. Hamler (2.46), CB Michael Ojemudia (3.77), C Lloyd Cushenberry (3.83), DL McTelvin Agim (3.95), TE Albert Okwuegbunam (4.118), ILB Justin Strnad (5.178), G Netane Muti (6.181), WR Tyrie Cleveland (7.252), OLB Derrek Tuszka (7.254)
Projected Starters
Offense
QB: Drew Lock
RB: Melvin Gordon
WR: Courtland Sutton
WR: Jerry Jeudy
WR: K.J. Hamler
TE: Noah Fant
LT: Garrett Bolles
LG: Dalton Risner
C: Lloyd Cushenberry
RG: Graham Glasgow
RT: Ja’Wuan James
Defense
DL: Jurrell Casey
DL: Shelby Harris
OLB: Von Miller
ILB: Todd Davis
ILB: Alexander Johnson
OLB: Bradley Chubb
CB: A.J. Bouye
CB: Isaac Yiadom
CB: Bryce Callahan
S: Justin Simmons
S: Kareem Jackson
Team Outlook
Biggest strength: Running back
The entire skill-position group for Denver looks like a strength assuming Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler live up to their potential, but running back in particular was really bolstered by the signing of Melvin Gordon. Over the past four years, Gordon has proven to be one of the best touchdown-makers in the NFL with 47 scores in 53 games, so look for him to finish off drives on an offense that is expected to take a big leap forward. Behind him, Phillip Lindsay will certainly remain involved after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, and he should thrive in a heavy change-of-pace role.
Biggest weakness: Left tackle
Garrett Bolles has started 48-of-48 games since the Broncos drafted him with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, but the franchise is still hoping for more out of him as they attempt to climb back into contention. It’s worth noting that Bolles is already entering his age-28 season, which could make Denver less hesitant to pull the trigger on a benching if he again struggles to start the season. The other four spots on the offensive line look strong assuming Ja’Wuan James is healthy, so Bolles turning things around would be huge.
Position battle to watch: Cornerback
A trade for A.J. Bouye locks up one perimeter spot for the Broncos, and Bryce Callahan should man the slot after a lost 2019 season; but the other starting job could be an open competition between Isaac Yiadom and third-round pick Michael Ojemudia. While both guys have the prototype size/length for the position, I think Yiadom might get the nod early because of his NFL experience. For the future, though, Ojemudia—who I viewed as a second-round prospect—should be a longtime fixture in Vic Fangio’s defense.
One more thought
It was only a five-start sample size, but Drew Lock looked a lot better than I thought he would to start his career, and all the pieces added in the offseason—including new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur—have him in position to really solidify himself as a franchise quarterback for John Elway and the Broncos. Coming out of Missouri, Lock had some issues with turnovers and decision-making (my comparison for him was Jay Cutler), but if he can play like he did last year with the big-play ability in his back pocket when needed, Denver could be dangerous.
Early over/under: 7.5 wins (via FOX Bet)
Over. The Broncos seem to be headed in the right direction on both sides of the ball, so the talent is there to overcome a difficult schedule (on paper) in an open conference. The progression of Drew Lock will be key with Von Miller and the defense expected to improve in Year 2 under Vic Fangio.
The Melvin Gordon move is intriguing. Actually everything they did is
Very
Defense is now worse than offense
Idk Fangio will have them playing well.
No way yiadom starts im betting they font even think abiut him starting its going ro be either Bausby or Ojemudia. Yiadom didnt show anything for them to have any confidence in him he sucked and im betting he dont make it to the final roster.
Yiadom had flashes but I like Bausby
I’d be higher on them if they were in a different division.
Let’s go!
Sleeper SB team