Broncos

2/23/10 Denver, CO - Two years ago the Broncos were one of the suprise teams when they made it to the playoffs after a strong showing in the regular season. Much of the same was expected for the team last season, but apparently expectations were too high as the team floundered. With that being said, it was hard to judge how the 2009 Broncos would play. Would they be back to their '07 selves or was that year just a fluke. At first it seemed the latter as Denver didn't win a game until week 5 against the Patriots, who were having a bit of a rebirth themselves. After that the Broncos started

winning and didn't look back until the playoffs. Once in the playoffs they had to face the Jaguars who themselves were establishing an identity in their first year of existence. The proved no match for Denver. The second round of the playoffs had the Broncos going to Houston in what turned out to be a really close game that Denver won. Now they were only one win away from their first ever Power Bowl appearance. Many critics had the Broncos beating the Bengals, but as it turned out it wasn't meant to be. Cincinnati won the defensive battle, 10-6.

Throughout the years there has been one player who has really stood out for this Broncos team, and that'd D.J. Williams. He is definetly the leader of this team and shows it through his play. But what kind of player is Denver missing to take them the next step to a Power Bowl?

There are really a few holes that could be addressed by the upcoming draft and/or free agency. First and the most notable is that of a left tackle. Vernon Carey played the position this past season, but he'd be better utilized on the right side. If the Broncos are going to get better, they've got to get better at this position. Luckily for Denver there are a number of good tackles available in this draft. Okung will be gone before they pick, but perhaps one of the other 3 top tackles will be around at pick 29. Iowa's Brian Bulaga, Rutgers' Anthony Davis or Oklahoma's Trent Williams

would be healthy choices.

The Broncos could also use a good number 2 receiver, but looking at their current roster, they should wait on that for the later rounds. Defensive tackle is a position that they could really afford to upgrade. For their spot in the second round I would bet that Terrence Cody would be a great pick at the 61st spot.

Now if they wait for the 3rd round to grab a receiver their top choices would be Jeremy Williams out of Tulane, Mardy Gilyard from Cincinnati, or Danario Alexander from Mizzou. Williams has had a history of injury that Denver may want to steer away from. Gilyard might be the best pick if owner Ken Jiang can get past his relatively small size of 6'1" and 187 lbs. As for Alexander he could also be a great choice at this position. He's 6'5" and 215 lbs. so he has the size of a great wideout, but he has to prove more physical towards the ball.

Anyway you look at it the Broncos have holes to fill, but they might be lucky in that this is considered one of the deepest drafts in recent history. That being said, they can't really afford to miss on too many of their picks.