Denver Broncos: What if They Don’t Draft a Quarterback?
There are several positions to upgrade on D.
Let’s start with LSU cornerback Greedy Williams. This is a dude that checks all the boxes and he is 6’3″. He should be a perennial all-pro and would transition the Broncos well to a post Chris Harris Jr. world. Not that CHJ should be going anywhere but he can not play forever. Think of Williams as Richard Sherman with slightly more lateral speed and anticipation. He is that good.
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Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker is at the other end of the physical spectrum. Just 5’11”, Baker is a fierce hitter. He is quite a bit like Harris, fast and strong enough to cover on an island but fearless in run coverage and physical play. In fact, think of Baker as a Harris-Champ Bailey hybrid.
The Safety position offers another pair of opposites, Alabama’s Deionte Thompson is a standout run stopper and covers well to the sidelines. He would struggle with covering elite tight ends in the NFL but the strengths of his game will overcome those limitations. Maryland’s Darnell Savage has the speed and footwork to cover tight ends and slot receivers but also brings a nasty streak and is a fierce hitter. Think T.J. Ward in his prime for the Broncos with a little of Steve Atwater‘s boom for good measure.
On the defensive line, only Shelby Harris is a standout. Domata Peko is 34 and an unrestricted free-agent. Derek Wolfe has battled injury and is in the last year of his contract. Adam Gotsis was solid if unspectacular.
There are a couple of helpers in the draft but Denver would have to move up to get to them, Ohio State’s Nick Bosa might be the top pick in the draft. Ed Oliver from Houston is more accessible but would still likely require a move into the top-five. He’s also an outside guy and Denver is set outside with their linebackers, interior line help is much more on Denver’s need list with Michigan’s Rashan Gary fitting the bill nicely. He’s strong and fast, like Von Miller he can beat you with strength and he can beat you with speed. Gary would be a devastating addition to Denver’s pass rush and run defense.