Denver Broncos 2008 NFL Draft Needs

April 14, 2008

Coming into last season that Broncos were picked by many to give the Chargers a run for the division title, or at least secure a wild card spot. But what happened was nowhere near that, as the team finished the season 7-9 and wondering what happened to the season that was suppose to be. Jay Cutler continues to make strides at quarterback and will have to do without Javon Walker as the team decided to part ways with the former pro bowl receiver. They did add Keary Colbert from the Panthers to play along side Brandon Marshall in free agency. The team also made some big signings with LB Boss Bailey from the Lions, veteran C Casey Wiegmann from the Chiefs, and LB Niko Koutuvideas from the Panthers. Two big names the team is deciding to part ways with other than Walker are kicker Jason Elam and linebacker Ian Gold. So with free agency pretty much over, here are the top five positions that Broncos need to address in this year’s draft.

1. Defensive Tackle

This is definitely one of the most important needs coming into the 2008 season. The Broncos were surprisingly bad last season against the run, as many teams ran all over them. To fix this problem it starts in the middle where many proven starters unexpectedly faltered in 2007. The best returning guy they got is last years 4th round pick Marcus Thomas. With pick 12 they would be lucky to get USC’s Sedrick Ellis and it would probably be too early for North Carolina’s Kentwan Balmer. If they miss out on both these guys they might go after a guy like Arkansas’s Marcus Harrison.

2. Safety

The team is likely on their last leg with John Lynch, and though they added Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree they could still use some help here for the future. While they could make a bold move and take Miami’s Kenny Phillips early than predicted or could wait on a guy like Virginia’s Nathan Lyles.

3. Linebacker

Though the team did add two guys here, its still not written in stone that these guys will be the answer. The team is really hoping that they can find someone to play in the middle so the move star D.J. Williams back to his natural outside spot. The team could take Oklahoma’s Curtis Lofton here with the 12th pick, but we think they might hold off and hope for the best with their signings.

4. Offensive Line

Though the team is pretty set going into the season, they could actually spend their first round pick on a guy here. The team is pretty particular here as they someone who can fill into their zone blocking schemes. Two guys they might be looking at in round 1 are Boise State’s Ryan Clady and Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams.

5. Wide Receiver

With the loss of Javon Walker the team is really counting a lot on Marshall. Brandon Stokley and Keary Colbert will be solid short-term guys, but the team could use some help here for next year and the future. This probably won’t be an early pick, but they could crab a guy like Florida’s Andre Caldwell or maybe even take Malcolm Kelly with pick 12.

Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.

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Denver Broncos 2008 NFL Draft Needs

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