Open Rants by nick543219876

The Broncos have a strong roster, particularly on defense. With a strong offseason they can become a super bowl contender next season.

I believe the hiring of Vance Joseph could be a great hire as he seems to have the ability to be a leader of men. I’m excited about the hirings of OC Mike McCoy and QB coach Bill Musgrave, but I am very disappointed they didn’t resign Wade Phillips.

With Joe Woods taking control of the defense, I expect the Broncos to continue running a 3-4 defense.

With a project $33 million in cap space and no significant free agents, the Broncos have plenty of money to work with.

Overview of current roster

Trevor Siemian had a decent year given the horrible O-Line, and I still believe Paxton Lynch is the future. While trading for Tony Romo is an option, I believe it is best to stick with Siemian and Lynch, and Strengthen the O-Line and defense. Romo would be too expensive, and considering he has barely played in the last two years, he is not worth it. C.J. Anderson is a solid running back who is capable of shouldering the load. Devontae Booker had a rough rookie year, but has the talent to develop into a good back. Andy Janovich was one of the best FBs in the league this season and should only get better. At wide receiver, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are great on the outside, but the Broncos can use an upgrade in the Slot. Tight End Virgil Green has never made the jump he is capable of, but Jeff Heuerman shows promise. On the offensive line, Russell Okung was decent in run blocking but struggled in pass blocking. Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo were an abomination at RT tackle. Inside, Max Garcia and Michael Schofield were decent in pass blocking, but struggled in run blocking. Matt Paradis was great, and should be the anchor for the O-line for years to come.

On defense, Defensive End Derek Wolfe had a bit of a down year, but hopefully will rebound next year. Although, his injury history is a concern. Defensive linemen Sylvester Williams, Jared Crick, and Billy Winn all struggled. Von Miller was once again dominated and is the heart of the defense. DeMarcus Ware had an injury plagued year, and really showed his age. Fellow edge rushers Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett provided great depth and are good enough to start on many teams. Ray, especially, has a bright future. At inside linebacker, Brandon Marshall had another great year. Both Todd Davis and Corey Nelson had pedestrian season, and neither show any signs of becoming a good player. The secondary was once again the strength of the team. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris had excellent seasons, and are worthy of their all-pro selections. Bradley Roby regressed last season, but I expect him to rebound next year. Darian Stewart had another strong season. T.J. Ward didn’t play quite as well last season, but still should have more left in the tank. Justin Simmons and Will Parks were bright spots from the Broncos rookie class. Kicker Brandon McManus had a great season, and Punter Riley Dixon had a great rookie season.

Re-signings and Cuts

The first order of business is Okung. He is not worth the 4-year, $48 million option he is due. The Broncos can save $10.9 million in cap space by not exercising his option. I would then offer him $17 million for 2 years, but no more, simply because good left tackles are hard to find. Stephenson should be cut saving $3 million in cap space.

Fortunately, the Broncos don’t have any significant pending free agents. The notable free agents included DeMarcus Ware, Sylvester Williams, Vance Walker, and Kayvon Webster. Unfortunately, Ware is not the player he once was and is not worth resigning. Williams is also not worth paying and should be allowed to walk. Walker should be offered a 2 year, $6 million contract, as he can be a rotational player. Webster has never developed and is not worth retaining.

McManus and Davis are restricted free agent, and should be given 2nd round tenders.

Paradis and Barrett are ERFAs and obviously should be tendered.

Free Agency

After the above moves the Broncos biggest needs are :

LT (if Okung is not resigned)

RT

DT

DE

TE

LG

RG

ILB

Slot WR

If Okung is not resigned, Andrew Whitworth should be offered a contract. Something like 2 years, $20 million. The Broncos should also sign a guard. The guard should be the first of the following players available, Andrew Norwell, Kevin Zeitler, T.J. Lang, or Larry Warford. One of these players can be obtained for 4 years, $40 million. On the defensive side, Defensive End Calais Campbell should be recruited. He would cost around $24 million for 3 years.  If he can’t be lured to Denver, defensive tackle Bennie Logan should be the backup plan. Right tackle, inside linebacker, and slot receiver should all be addressed through the draft instead of free agency. There are no tight ends that I expect to hit the market that would be a significant upgrade. After signing these 3 players, the broncos would have around $6 million in cap space. Just enough to sign the rookies.

Draft

Round 1 Pick 20 RT Ryan Ramczyk - He is an athletic blocker with the nastiness you desire. He     can be a day one starter on the right side, and has the talent to develop into a left tackle.

Round 2 Pick 51 OG Dan Feeney - He is a versatile right guard who has a chance to replace Michael Schofield early.

Round 3 Pick 82 NT Vincent Taylor - He has the potential to be a good starter as a one gap nose tackle.

Round 3 Pick 97* DE Tanoh Kpassagnon - A high upside player who can develop into a great five tech.

Round 3 Pick 102* ILB Anthony Walker Jr. - He is a high intensity player who fits the mold of a inside linebacker in today’s pass happy NFL. He has the talent to develop into a starter next to Brandon Marshall.

Round 4 Pick 125 OT Chad Wheeler  - He has the potential to develop into a starting left tackle      in the NFL, and could be the successor to Okung.

Round 4 Pick 146* WR Ryan Switzer - He is the definition of a slot wide receiver, and could be a significant contributor in his rookie year.

Round 6 PIck 205 TE Cole Hikutini - He is a jack of all trades tight end who should become a tight end number two.

Round 7 Pick 243 CB Jalen Myrick - Can always use more cornerback depth.

Round 7 Pick 256* ILB Harvey Langi - Can be a special teams contributor.

* Denotes projected compensatory pick