With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Top Team Needs for the Denver Broncos

By Jon Dove

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos are hoping that by addressing a few more team needs in the 2018 NFL Draft they can get back into the playoff picture.

Case Keenum was the Denver Broncos biggest addition this offseason. They are hoping that he can manage the offense and get them back into contention. However, Denver still has a few other team needs to fill via the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Broncos lost some good talent across the roster while trying to find Peyton Manning‘s successor. Now, they are in a position where they are trying to plug some holes while still looking to nail down the quarterback spot.

Keenum showed last year that he can win football games. However, it will be interesting to see if he can do so with a less talented roster.

Below are the top team needs for the Denver Broncos as we head into the 2018 NFL Draft:

1. Defensive Line

Denver’s defensive line is full of question marks surrounding starters Adam Gotsis, Derek Wolfe and Domata Peko. Each one of these three has something going on that could impact their play for the upcoming season.

Another issue here is that the defensive line doesn’t have much depth. Denver will need to find some potential contributors in the early parts of this draft.

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2. Running Back

CJ Anderson hasn’t been able to grab hold of the starting running back job. The same can be said for Devontae Booker who has looked sluggish in his opportunities. Denver’s offensive attack could use a more explosive playmaker at the position.

There has been some talk that Penn State’s Saquon Barkley could be an option at pick No. 5. His addition would help make life easier for Case Keenum while also giving the team a difference maker at running back.

3. Cornerback

Bradley Roby is getting thrust into a starting role after the Aqib Talib trade. His play has leveled off over the years, but he still has good potential as a starter. Chris Harris will also be back and provides elite coverage skills.

The issue comes at that No. 3 cornerback spot. Denver knows from first hand experience how important it is to have 3 high-end cornerbacks.

4. Right Tackle

Jared Veldheer and Menelik Watson are only placeholders at the right tackle spot. Neither have the upside to be considered the long-term option. Keenum has some escape-ability to his game, but this is still a spot that needs to be addressed.

5. Wide Receiver

Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders remain in the mix and should produce. However, the depth behind those two aging and expensive starters is limited. Carlos Henderson and Isaiah McKenzie are the next in line.

The Broncos should add some more options via the draft if they want to see Keenum succeed.

6. Quarterback

Denver signed Keenum to a two-year deal which basically says they are playing things safe. That type of deal doesn’t mean Keenum is their long-term starter. However, it does show they are willing to give him a chance.

Paxton Lynch remains on the roster, but it appears that he has run out of chances to earn the started job. Chad Kelly is also in the mix and may be someone who emerges down the line. However, it doesn’t seem as though the Broncos are expecting much.

How Denver handles the No. 5 pick will be one of the more interesting stories of the draft.

7. Tight End

Denver has two young and intriguing options at tight end in Jeff Heuerman and Jake Butt. Neither has produced at the NFL level, but have enough upside that Denver may give them a chance to establish themselves.

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