2012 Denver Broncos

Team Needs

Key Notes

• The Broncos finished 1^st in the NFL in rushing yards per game (164.5)
• The team's offense ranked 30^th in the league in 3^rd down conversions
• Despite making just 19 FGs, free agent kicker Matt Prater kicked two 50-yd plus field goals vs. Chicago to help the team win the game in overtime and several others late in games
• The Broncos defensive unit finished 10^th in the NFL in sacks (41)

Offense

Potential Free Agents:  Brady Quinn, QB, Lance Ball, RB (restricted), Spencer Larsen, FB, Eddie Royal, WR, Matt Willis, WR (restricted), Dante Rosario, TE, Daniel Fells, TE, Matt Prater, PK, Britton Colquitt, P (restricted), Chris Clark, OT (restricted), Russ Hochstein (OG)

Positions of Need:  QB, WR, RB

Quarterback

The Tim Tebow story was amazing last season when it’s evaluated at the depths of its inadequacy.  His inability to get on the same page with WRs until late in games directly influenced the lack of communication with the wide receiver corps, particularly on 3^rd downs.  For the team to take the next step, this is an area of significant improvement.   

With Kyle Orton in Kansas City and backup Brady Quinn an unrestricted free agent, the team has to look for a dual-threat QB in the late rounds (Oregon’s Darron Thomas) or early-to-mid rounds (possibly Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill) with experience running the zone read-type of attack. Whoever backs up Tebow has to have at least some of his unique physical skills.  This would be the only way the team wouldn’t have to completely scrap its current offensive philosophy if an injury occurred to Tebow. 

Running Back

This isn’t an area that may get early attention, but Willis McGahee’s shaky injury history is a concern.  The veteran Pro Bowl RB had a resurgent 2011 season, but he would last even longer with a viable backup. RB Knowshon Moreno's recent off the field problems only compound the ACL tear he sustained late in the season. It's important to remember that Moreno was drafted by the former regime. Restricted free agent Lance Ball had his moments, and he may return in a backup role.  RBs like Oregon's LaMichael James would seem to fit the team's desire to get faster offensively.  

The team could also use a speed threat like Florida’s Chris Rainey –who’s had experience with Tebow- to fill the gadget role that unrestricted free agent Eddie Royal assumed at least part-time.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

It is still unknown how long it will take WR Eric Decker to return from the MCL injury he suffered early in the team’s first round playoff game vs. Pittsburgh.  While this is not a major injury concern, Decker’s past injury history (foot) strengthens its evaluation.

The same can be said for budding star 3^rd year wideout Demarius Thomas, who broke out during the team’s playoff run.  He’s big, fast and tough to tackle after the catch.  It seemed as if he grew as a route runner late in the season.  His weight will always be an issue when it comes to the pounding he puts on his lower body (Achilles-2010). 

Even if Royal returns, the Broncos need another dynamic run after the catch-type wide receiver.  Prospects such as Florida International’s TY Hilton could assume Royal’s punt return role, while veterans like New Orleans’ speedster Robert Meacham could get attention in free agency as an outside X or Z receiver.

For a QB who used the tight end exclusively in school, Tebow hasn’t been afforded the luxury of an elite middle of the field passing threat.  2^nd year TEs Julius Thomas and Virgil Green provide hope at the position.  Thomas has some wheels and is a former basketball player, while Green sports unique explosiveness in T-shirts and shorts (42 ½” VJ).   But how effective can either become on option routes in the middle of the field?   It’s important to remember that Aaron Hernandez played a huge role in keeping drives alive for the Gators while teaming with Tebow in Gainesville.  With average vision, this could become a young QB’s best friend (see Newton-Carolina).

Defense

Potential Free Agents:  Brodrick Bunkley, DL, Derrick Harvey, DL, Jason Hunter, DL Ryan McBean, DL (Restricted), Marcus Thomas, DL, Mario Haggan, LB, Joe Mays, LB, Wesley Woodyard, LB, Jonathon Wilhite, CB

Positions of Need: DT, LB, CB

Defensive Front Seven

Brodrick Bunkley was formidable in 2011, exhibiting upper body strength to dislodge from blockers (47 tackles, FF).   Will he return?  The fact that the squad needs to ink both he and former Florida Gator Marcus Thomas could pose a problem.  DE Robert Ayers continued to make flash plays (3 QB sacks), but he will not be able to shift down inside on 1st and 2nd down as he did at times in college.  

The Broncos may decide to tender Ryan McBean (38 tackles, 4 QB sacks) and look for a stout run defender in the draft.   If Bunkley leaves via free agency, they could be in the market for a combo NG/DT due to the multiple fronts the team employs.  DTs with movement skills -Florida’s Jaye Howard (3-tech)- and mass -Washington’s Alameda Ta’amu (NG)- could get looks.  

At linebacker, DJ Williams seemed rejuvenated in John Fox’s first year.  He finished with a team-leading 97 tackles and also contributed 5 QB sacks.  If Joe Mays is allowed to walk, Wesley Woodyard (90 tackles) could move into a full-time role.  The team may take long looks at pending free agents Dan Connor (Carolina) or Stephen Tulloch (Detroit).  However, after ‘Tebowing’ last year in a Lions’ blowout win over the Broncos, Tulloch may not be an option. 

Secondary

The availability of Brian Dawkins could affect which direction the team moves in the back end.  SS Quinton Carter posted two interceptions in the playoffs, but he does not have Dawkins’ blitzing skill (3 QB sacks in 2011).  2^nd year FS Rahim Moore needs to become the ballhawk he was in college at UCLA, because he struggled with his angles and foot speed in Year One. 

At cornerback, 11-time Pro Bowler Champ Bailey remains one of the league’s best conditioned and competitive performers.  Bailey’s willingness to tackle is vastly underrated.  Opposite Bailey, Andre Goodman remains a consistent viable performer, but salary cap concerns cloud his future.  The team may look for another CB to come in and compete with young nickel back Chris Harris (75 tackles, 1 INT, 6 PBUs).  Harris should vie for increased time outside in 2011, but he’s probably always going to be at his best vs. slot wideouts, where he possesses good short area quickness and feet. 

Special Teams

Normally, the status of a free agent kicker would not come into question.  But after 27-year old PK Matt Prater basically saved the Broncos’ season time-after-time, he is a priority.  Several teams may be interested in a kicker with 10 career field goals over 50+yards and nearly an 80% (78.4) conversion rate on all kicks.  The altitude has helped, but his experience kicking in inclement weather conditions should not be undervalued. The team will attempt to keep him at all costs (possible franchise tag) because they need points with their style of play. 

Restricted free agent punter Britton Colquitt (47.4 yds/punt in 2011) probably won’t get into free agency and he’s key for field position on a team that relies on its defense and running game. 

If Royal (16.3 yds/PR) leaves, what will it do to the special teams?   We mentioned Florida’s combo RB-WR-PR Rainey and FIU’s multi-faceted WR-KR Hilton earlier for this reason.   The team could wait for Hilton, as his stock has been on the decline.