With The First Pick
Fansided

The Denver Broncos are back in the first round for 2023

By Lou Scataglia

Jan 2, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and inside linebacker Micah Kiser (43) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) and inside linebacker Micah Kiser (43) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos had to empty a bit of their draft pick cupboard when they traded for Russell Wilson, but they now have a 2023 first round pick.  The main framework of the deal was Denver sending their first round picks in 2022 and 2023 to Seattle.

This left Denver with a noticeable gap in their draft pick situation.  General Manager George Paton has said on many occasions how much he values having draft selections, so I just know that not having a first rounder in 2023 was killing him.

The team recently traded Bradley Chubb at the deadline, and part of the return was a 2023 first round pick, which was originally owned by the San Francisco 49ers.  Denver is now back in the first round, and their most recent first round selection was Patrick Surtain II.

George Paton has done a very nice job at drafting during his first two drafts as the GM.  Now, Denver has a chance to make another first round selection, and I think there is an obvious position to target.

The offensive line in Denver has not been good this year, and the team will surely have some movement along the line.  The last time Denver picked someone along the offensive line in the first round was Garett Bolles back in 2017.

It seems the lack of commitment to the o-line is catching up to them, but now that Russell Wilson is in town, the Broncos will have to do everything they can to keep him healthy and protected.  Someone like Peter Skoronski or Olu Fashanu would be nice additions for Denver.

The Broncos could use players at tackle and on the interior, but I do expect them to address the line in free agency as well.  To me, good teams in the NFL are built from the inside out.  The Eagles are a perfect example of a team like this who continually wins the line of scrimmage.

Their offensive line is the best part of their roster and is the best in the NFL.  There is really no discussion otherwise.  Investing draft picks along the offensive and defensive lines is a smart draft strategy, and one the Broncos need to do.

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