Even after the draft, the Broncos can still go shopping

When the Broncos are on the clock during the 2020 NFL Draft, there will be a lot of debate about who they should pick, especially in the first three rounds. With five picks in the first 95 selections, Denver needs to come away with at least three starters out of those premium selections.

That means picking players who not only are ready to make the leap to the next level, but also fill areas of need. If the Broncos pick an outside linebacker, he isn’t going to start; nobody is coming in as a rookie and beating out Von Miller or Bradley Chubb.

But at other positions, the task isn’t nearly as daunting. In fact, there are certain spots where a talented player could stroll into camp and win a starting job.

Wide receiver is one, with the No. 2 spot opposite Courtland Sutton wide open. Cornerback is another, where Bryce Callahan and Isaac Yiadom are currently slated to start on the other side of A.J. Bouye and the nickel corner, respectively. And middle linebacker is still up for grabs, as neither Alexander Johnson nor Todd Davis are firmly entrenched in the middle of Vic Fangio’s defense.

In addition, there are places where the Broncos still need to add depth. At safety, Denver lost Will Parks via free agency, leaving them devoid of a solid backup. And along the offensive line, there are a lot of mixing and matching of lineups that could create openings at center, right guard or either tackle position.

Ideally, the Broncos would fill most of these needs in the draft with players like Henry Ruggs III, C.J. Henderson, Kenneth Murray or Grant Delpit. Depending on how Denver wheels and deals, they could easily land some combination from that group, or players of equal ilk.

But if they aren’t able to pull that off, all hope isn’t lost. There’s still an avenue for them to plug holes.

Unlike most years when free agency is all but over by the time the draft rolls around, there are still a lot of good players on the open market. Next week, another wave a free agency will commence, with talented veterans trying to land in a good spot on one-year, prove-it deals.

During that time, the Broncos can find some short-term solutions. Yes, they’re going to be tight against the cap, as they currently have roughly $17 million of room for the 2020 season. But they can free up money by moving on from Jeff Heuerman and others. In other words, they can find the space if needed.

So John Elway can still go shopping. When that time comes, here are some of the names he should keep in mind.

Logan Ryan – Heading into his eighth season, the veteran cornerback doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Last season with the Titans, he recorded four interceptions, 18 passes defensed, 4.5 sacks and a career-high 113 tackles. He’s still playing at a high level and could fill a No. 2 or 3 spot with ease.

Prince Amukamara – His three seasons in Chicago were up and down, but his performance two years ago, when Fangio was the Bears defensive coordinator, makes him an interesting option in Denver. Three picks and 12 passes defensed were solid numbers, so there might just be a little left in the tank.

Tedric Thompson – After a promising start, Thompson’s career with the Seahawks came to an abrupt end. After becoming a starter in 2018, the safety was placed on IR after six games last season. Now, Seattle has decided to move on from the talented player. At only 25, he’s worth a look.

Tavon Wilson – Wilson can drop into the box or play deep safety, making him a good option as a backup to Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons. Versatility is the name of the game, something the 10-year veteran would bring to the table. The ability to do a lot of different things would be invaluable in Denver.

Rashard Higgins – His four seasons in Cleveland were nothing to write home about, as the former CSU star caught just 76 passes in 54 games. But “Hollywood” showed some flashes. In 2018, he caught 39 passes, averaged 14.7 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns. A change of scenery could do Higgins a world of good.

Paul Richardson Jr. – In Seattle, the former Colorado star was starting to blossom. During his final season with the Seahawks, he had 44 receptions for 703 yards, plus six touchdowns. That earned him a free-agent deal in Washington, where his career fizzled. He’s another player who might just need to better situation.

Would it be better if the Broncos could fill all of their needs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday? Most definitely, as that would give them young options who can play key roles for years to come.

But if the right players aren’t available, there’s no reason for Elway and company to reach. They don’t have to this time around.

If necessary, Denver can venture back into the free-agent market after this weekend. There are still plenty of good players available, veterans can provide a short-term answer to the team’s remaining question marks.

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