The Denver Broncos have a pivotal off-season approaching and need to make the necessary moves to fill any holes and add depth. The top positions of need for Denver are right tackle, center, guard, secondary depth, defensive tackle, and running back.
The offensive line is the biggest thing that needs to be addressed. The Broncos haven’t had a long-term right tackle in years, and have the opportunity to land one this off-season. Both Dalton Risner and Lloyd Cushenberry showed this season that they aren’t key pieces to protect Russell Wilson.
Moving onto secondary depth, which can easily be addressed. It is unknown whether the Broncos will bring back Kareem Jackson, and or move on from Ronald Darby for cap reasons. Defensive tackle is also a concern, as it looks like Denver will be losing Dre’Mont Jones in free agency.
Lastly, is running back. Javonte Williams’s status for the upcoming season has not been determined, and currently, the Broncos running back room is thin. As of today, Chase Edmonds would be their starting running back. In his tenure with Denver, Sean Payton has emphasized the importance of a strong run game, so I’d expect them to land a running back in free agency.
So with all these positions needing to be addressed, who should Denver target in free agency?
1: Kaleb McGary (RT)
Kaleb McGary is the best offensive line available in free agency, and exactly what Denver needs. This season with the Falcons McGary played 1,051 snaps, allowing 6 sacks, 5 penalties, and 19 total pressures. He is great in the run-and-pass game and would be the long-term right tackle Denver is looking for.
2: Jawaan Taylor (RT)
Another option along the offensive line, and would be an under-the-radar acquisition. If the Broncos are unable to land Kaleb McGary or Mike McGlinchey, I’d expect them to focus on Taylor. He has been consistently good in pass blocking his whole career, which is what Denver lacks. This season with the Jaguars he played 1,095 snaps, allowed 5 sacks, 7 penalties, and 16 total pressures.
3: Zach Allen (DE)
With Dre’Mont Jones looking like he’s going to depart in free agency, the Broncos need to find a replacement on the defensive line. Zach Allen really broke out this season, collecting a total of 37 tackles, 6 sacks, and 35 total pressures. Reuniting with Vance Joseph, Allen would bring in much-needed pass-rush help, and sign a long-term contract.
4: David Montgomery
It is no secret that the Broncos desperately need running back depth, especially with the uncertainty of Javonte Williams’s status. David Montgomery would be a reliable starter and has proven he can be a team’s lead back. Sean Payton understands that in order to help Russell Wilson, they will need to have a strong run game. This season with the Bears, Montgomery appeared in 16 games and ran for 801 YDs, and 5 TDs.
5: Emmanuel Mosley (CB)
I was impressed by what I saw from Damarri Mathis this season, but I think Denver should look into adding another corner. Emmanuel Mosley is a risk, as he only played 5 games before tearing his ACL, but when healthy Mosley is a good defender. Another option could be Byron Murphy Jr., who would also fit nicely.
6: Jacoby Brissett
It is clear that Denver needs to move on from Brett Rypien and find a new backup quarterback. I like what Jacoby Brissett did with Cleveland last season while Deshaun Watson was suspended, and he would be a cheap and reliable option. Brissett’s market won’t be huge, and would be a nice backup to have should Russell Wilson miss time next season.
