With The First Pick
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Broncos 2021 NFL Draft primer: Will George Paton replace Drew Lock?

By Patrick Chiotti

Broncos QB Drew Lock Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Broncos QB Drew Lock Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos
Broncos DB Justin Simmons Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Who did the Denver Broncos lose in the offseason?

The Denver Broncos, with their new front office, had plenty of work to do this offseason. With several veterans with team options and a franchise tag situation approaching, George Paton had his work cut out for him just days into his new position. The team also made some tough decisions to not bring back some fan favorites. Running back Phillip Lindsay was one of the most notable losses. The team allowed Lindsay to reach free agency and he eventually landed in Houston. Another considerable departure was defensive lineman Demarcus Walker, who also landed in Houston.

The team made the decision to move on from veterans A.J. Bouye and Jurrell Casey, both of whom were acquired via trade last offseason. The Broncos seemed to be moving on from several of their 2020 acquisitions, as they also released tight end, Nick Vannett. Contributors on both sides of the ball left in free agency as well, including safety Will Parks, linebackers Jeremiah Attaochu, Austin Calitro, Anthony Chickillo, and offensive tackles Demar Dotson and Elijah Wilkinson.

Did the Broncos fill needs in the 2021 offseason?

While the Broncos moved on from several veterans in the offseason, they made several big moves to improve the roster as well. Denver picked up the club option for linebacker Von Miller, keeping him in Denver for 2021. While they declined safety Kareem Jackson’s club option and made him a free agent, Jackson returned on a one-year, $5 million deal.

Paton made it a priority to upgrade the defense, signing Justin Simmons to a long-term deal and signing free agent cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller, along with re-signing defensive lineman Shelby Harris to a three-year deal. Paton replaced Lindsay’s spot in the offense with a familiar face in the form of running back Mike Boone, who was a special teams ace and third running back in Minnesota.

With these offseason moves, Paton put the Broncos in a solid position to go with the best player available in the 2021 NFL Draft.

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