Broncos need a quarterback. That much is clear after the team had formal meetings at the NFL combine with every quarterback linked to the opening rounds of the NFL draft.
At the same time, the Broncos have more than a few question marks outside of the quarterback position. Their needs span both sides of the ball, from the offensive line, to the defensive secondary and nearly everything else in between.
With that in mind, let’s play a fun game and rank Denver’s draft needs outside of QB.
1. Left tackle
The offensive line is one of the most important position groups on a football roster. No matter who is under center for the Broncos in 2024 and beyond, they are not doing that player justice if they don’t provide quality protection up front. Right guard Quinn Meinerz is coming off a strong season, while the team has invested a ton of money in right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers.
While Lloyd Cushenberry III could walk in free agency, the team seems to be high on backup center Alex Forsyth. Questions remain at left tackle, as Garett Bolles is 31, and Denver could save $16 million by releasing him in the offseason. This year’s draft has a solid group of tackles, and if the Broncos can land a starting left tackle in the first round, it would help the franchise long-term.
Penn State’s Olu Fashanu and Notre Dame’s Joe Alt are two names that come to mind. Both players are plug-and-play guys even though there’s a chance they could get picked before the Broncos make their selection.
Head coach Sean Payton strongly values offensive linemen, as he should. If the Broncos don’t fall in love with a quarterback enough to take in the first round, the next best option is finding an offensive tackle.
2. Edge rusher
