Strike 2: After watching the tape of their impressive upset win over Tampa Bay in Week 3, the Denver Broncos brain trust probably has a pretty decent idea of what they have on their roster right now, and what’s still badly needed moving forward. And they will get an even better idea as more games get played.
The nice east coast win aside, it’s still no secret that Denver’s rebuilding for future seasons. This isn’t a playoff roster as of yet. However, head coach Sean Payton does know how to build one. He’s done it before. Right now he’s coaching and evaluating at the same time.
His prized rookie quarterback Bo Nix looks like a keeper, as do several members of a defense that’s been really good through three games. But it’s also no secret that Denver still needs playmakers and will be in the market for more than one next off season.
“Help Wanted” at wide receiver, running back even tight end.
Denver could conceivably draft a wide out in the first round. There will be several standouts to choose from, including perhaps Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter. While they’ll also very likely be in the market for a new left tackle if they don’t (and they shouldn’t) re-sign Garett Boles, Denver needs a top tier deep threat for their passing game even more. If they can’t land Hunter, perhaps they’ll have a shot at a guy like Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
Second round? One of the most obvious weaknesses remains at running back, where starter Javonte Williams has been a disappointment thus far, and since he’ll also be a free agent at season’s end, he’s not likely to be in predominantly orange next season, either. His main backup, Jaleel McLaughlin, can provide a spark, but is not a full-time, between-the-tackles kind of threat. Tyler Badie was Denver’s leading rusher against the Bucs, and showed a great burst. But at 5-foot-8 and less than 200 pounds, he’s not going to be able to handle a full time workload.
Drafting running backs isn’t a priority for most teams anymore, but it should be for Payton, who wants to establish a powerful ground game to take pressure off of Nix. What he’s got on his current roster is nowhere close to getting that done.
Assuming they’re back in the top 10 of the next draft, and will be in that same position when round two rolls around, there’s a current Bronco who would make a great Denver Bronco in 2025. If you haven’t seen Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty play yet, do yourself a favor and tune in. Jeanty is on his way to an All-America season and numerous postseason awards.
Through three games, the talented Jeanty has already racked up 586 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, with a hefty 10.5 yards per carry average. And before you toss out the “ya, but team’s he’s faced” argument against him, understand that 192 of those yards came in a loss at No. 8 Oregon. He’s currently the top-rated running back on the draft boards.
Jeanty is the real deal. Imagine if the Broncos were able to draft Hunter in the first round and get Jeanty in the second? Wow.
Teams are not rebuilt in one year or one draft. However, it looks like this past April’s picks produced a few keepers, and if next April can produce some top level skill talent like Hunter and/or Jeanty, this rebuilding project could end up being completed well ahead of schedule.
