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The NFL draft in 2019 was completed last weekend and the Broncos have filled some of their biggest needs during this period. They found their tight starting potential, their potential starting right guard, their eventual quarterback of the future, an indoor pass, a high rim depth and wide receiving competition. However, they still have needs that will likely be resolved before the start of the training camp.
1: internal linebacker
The Broncos nearly doubled Michigan's Devin Bush to 10th overall, but the Steelers offered them a deal they just could not let go. Many assumed that they would meet this need during the remaining rounds, but they did not do it. Oregon's Justin Hollins, who has mostly pushed the field, was able to qualify for the linebacker. However, it does not seem to be an immediate answer to this need at the moment. That leaves us with the New York Jets inside the linebacker, Darron Lee.
Lee has been on the market since the beginning of the free trade agency but has not been traded yet. This probably means that the Jets have asked too much in exchange for the 20th overall selection. However, with the repechage now over and the Jets recruiting another linebacker (Blake Cashman), Lee's asking price is probably down.
This is where the Broncos should invest. Lee is a sports linebacker who could live up to his potential for Vic Fangio's defense. It is what Fangio is looking for in a linebacker, he has already transformed his career and a change of scenery is probably better for Lee.
In three seasons in the NFL, Lee totaled 238 tackles, 17 tackles for one loss, 3 interceptions, 11 passovers, 4 sacks and 11 hits. Last season, Lee totaled 74 tackles, 5 tackles for one loss, 5 deflections and 3 steals.
It is said that the Broncos are interested and I can imagine that they always have interest in Lee.
Another name to watch is former Washington linebacker, Zach Brown. He is one of the best remaining free NFL agents and could be an instant upgrade for the Broncos while being a good schema.
2: nose attack
It is possible that Shelby Harris is the Broncos' full-time nose-tackle, but I imagine that Fangio will want to add a more traditional nose plating to his defensive line rotation.
This is where veteran Domata Peko could come in. Free pre-agency return, it was reported that the Broncos would look to find Peko's replacement. However, we are here on May 1st and the Broncos have not really engaged anyone to play this role. These reports at the time also did not close the door to a possible signature and this door also remains open.
Peko has become a bit of a defensive leader for the Broncos in the past two seasons and would likely be welcomed into the locker room. I also imagine that head coach Vic Fangio would like someone like Peko to be also at the center of his defense.
Another name to watch for is the old pick of the first round. Danny Shelton. He is a big eater of stop / hold maneuvers who could also play this role.
3: Depth of offensive attack
The Broncos have engaged Ja'Wuan James in a mega deal this season to meet their tackle requirements. However, they lost the swing tackle Billy Turner in favor of the free agency when he signed with the Green Bay Packers. This left the Broncos without tackling and they have not yet fulfilled this role.
Currently, the tackle depth of the Broncos consists of Elijah Wilkinson, a couple of UDFA, and probably the second round choice Dalton Risner. I'm sure Risner and Wilkinson could get by, but Risner starts and Wilkinson is probably your best substitute inside. They need a reliable athlete who can start at one or the other position.
Jermey Parnell, Donald Penn, Jared Veldheer, Joe Barksdale and Chris Clark are among the best attackers on the market.
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