The Broncos Have Gotten Better this Offseason
The Broncos added several players at positions of need and improved in most areas.
Case Keenum was the first and most important pickup for the Broncos. If he can reproduce his season with Minnesota last year Denver’s offense will improve vastly. Our friends over at Predominantly Orange covered Keenum and his potential impact in Denver.
Marquette King was unceremoniously released by the Oakland Raiders. His response? Sign with the Denver Broncos and commit to proving ‘Chucky’ Gruden wrong. With eight games at Mile High, King has an opportunity to put up astronomical numbers. A threat in many ways, Denver will enjoy King’s personality as much as his thunderous kicks.
Jared Veldheer had a down season for the Cardinals. The giant Michigan native gets fresh scenery and a switch to Right Tackle to re-establish his dominant form. If he can, this is a massive upgrade for Denver over the departing Donald Stephenson and RT challenger Menelik Watson.
Su’a Cravens is another player with questions from last season. Injuries had some in Washington questioning Cravens’ heart. The Redskins placed him on the exempt/left squad list and the relationship between Washington and the second-year budding star soured. Cravens claims to be healthy, rejuvenated and glad to be wanted. A strong 6’1″ and 225 lbs., Cravens will bring welcome toughness to the secondary.
Todd Davis was re-signed by the Broncos after a 2017 season that saw him second to Brandon Marshall for tackles. Davis has been a steady presence for Denver the past two seasons and is one of the anchors of that 5th ranked run defense.
Tramaine Brock adds depth to a suddenly thin and young cornerback crew. After great seasons in San Francisco in 2015/16, Brock saw little time for the Vikings in the 2017 season. With the departure of Talib and presumed promotion of Bradley Roby, Brock should get decent time. A strong tackler, Tramaine will carry on the tradition of Broncos cornerbacks.
Billy Turner was also retained to provide depth at the offensive tackle position. Turner has played only four games over two seasons with Denver.
Taylor Bertolet is a rookie kicker from Texas A&M. Brandon McManus expects to return to his 2016 form but if he does not………
Christian Kuntz, a giant (6’1″, 224lb) rookie from Duquesne is a linebacker project. Barring a breakout camp performance, Kuntz is a candidate for the practice squad.
Clinton McDonald had five sacks from the DT position for the Buccaneers. Depending on the status of Adam Gotsis, the veteran McDonald has the chops to start for the Broncos.
CJ Smith was traded from the Browns to the Seahawks but the trade was voided after CJ failed a physical. He was returned to the Browns who released the second year corner. Denver picked up Smith off of waivers and will give him a chance to compete.