After what feels like the longest NFL offseason ever, we’re just a couple of weeks away from the start of Broncos training camp.
With that in mind, let’s a look in the rearview, to determine John Elway’s best and worst moves of the off-season, and then look forward to what we’re most excited to see at training camp.
What training camp battle are you most excited to watch?
Ronnie Kohrt (@RonnieKRadio): Wide Receiver. A position filled with talent growing into their prime, exciting rookies and three-year players who must prove themselves or else.
Should make for a very competitive field.
Nate Lundy (@NateLundy): I know this isn’t a “position battle” but I am looking forward to these young wide receivers going against the secondary.
I think there is a lot of talent there, but I am also curious to see the growth of both positions. I am hoping they can each push each other to get better.
Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman): I’m interested in seeing the cornerbacks and how that all shakes out. Not only does Denver need a starter outside, but key backups at corner, too.
I have a feeling the rookie Michael Ojemudia will get a better chance than others, and expect he and Isaac Yiadom to be the 2A/2B corners for Denver. But, you never know.
Aniello Piro (@MediaByAP): I want to see how the O-line shakes out.
The Broncos have some talent on the line, but there are certainly still some questions marks. I’m very curious as to who will be protecting Drew Lock come week 1.
Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars): I’m most excited to see what the depth along the defensive line looks like.
Denver’s starting line of Mike Purcell, Shelby Harris, and Jurrell Casey is solidified, but how Dre’Mont Jones, McTelvin Agim, and DeMarcus Walker stack up behind them is very much still up in the air.
Which offseason addition do you think will have the biggest impact on the team in 2020?
Ronnie Kohrt: Jurrell Casey will have the biggest impact.
His presence in the middle is a major difference-maker for Fangio and the defense. The trade will prove massive by midseason.
Nate Lundy: Jurrell Casey. With the talent on the edge of the defense, it will be vital to disrupt the middle of the offensive line and I think Casey can do it.
Rich Kurtzman: This one is tough because the Broncos did so much in the offseason, but I have to go with Jerry Jeudy.
Now, I don’t expect him to have a 1,000-yard season as a rookie, and fans shouldn’t either. But, he will be impactful both in how he catches the ball as well as taking some coverage away from Courtland Sutton, who will top 1,000 yards again this year.
Overall, Jeudy’s ability and route-running will immediately alter Denver’s offense for the better.
Aniello Piro: Jerry Jeudy for sure.
Jeudy could be a top wideout in the NFL and he will make the Broncos offense dynamic alongside Courtland Sutton, Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay. I can’t wait to see what the Alabama product looks like.
Zach Segars: A.J. Bouye will make the biggest impact this season.
He’s a perfect fit for Vic Fangio’s defense, and just two seasons ago he was one of the best in the league at his position. Also, without Bouye at cornerback, Denver’s secondary would be in shambles right now.
What was Elway’s best move of the offseason?
Ronnie Kohrt: Elway’s best move was putting Drew Lock in the best position to win and win immediately.
Nate Lundy: I’m not sure how to answer this differently than the last one, so I would once again have to say trading for Jurrell Casey.
Rich Kurtzman: Elway knocked it out of the park early when he traded a fourth-rounder for starting cornerback A.J. Bouye. The Broncos knew they were losing Chris Harris Jr. and Bouye should be able to fill that void capably.
Aniello Piro: I loved the Jurell Casey trade. I think the Broncos got great value for a player who can help them this season, and possibly beyond.
He will be a cog in Vic Fangio’s defense and his veteran presence will help throughout the locker room. Good move by Mr. Elway.
Zach Segars: Drafting Jerry Jeudy was the best move of the off-season.
It was a move that had less to do with Elway’s scouting prowess and more to do with dumb luck, but the Broncos now have a pro-ready compliment to Courtland Sutton, that could easily develop into one of the better receivers in the league.
What was Elway’s worst move of the offseason?
Ronnie Kohrt: I wasn’t in love with signing Melvin Gordon, but if his production is strong, nobody will care about the contract. Elway had a very strong offseason.
Nate Lundy: Regardless of whether he (or you) believes in Garett Bolles, I think not bringing in some additional veteran depth on the offensive line was a mistake.
Drew Lock is young and can move around, but with the talent at the receiver positions, you need to be doing everything you can to give Lock time in the pocket.
Rich Kurtzman: Melvin Gordon was both expensive and unnecessary. If he becomes a star again in this offense, fine, but the Broncos already had a star RB in Lindsay.
Lindsay has been underutilized in his first two years and there’s no doubt he will be again as Gordon’s contract will dictate him being the bell cow.
Aniello Piro: Not adding more depth at CB. Denver was smart for not paying Chris Harris Jr., but I don’t think they did enough to address the position.
Trading for Bouye was solid, but Denver is still thin at corner, and Bryce Callahan is still unreliable because of his health.
It will be interesting to see how the secondary holds up in 2020.
Zach Segars: The Melvin Gordon signing was the worst move of the offseason.
It could very easily end up helping Lock and the offense because Gordon is so talented, so it’s not a terrible move. But, if you look at the recent history of running backs on second contracts, it suggests Gordon will a total bust.