The Broncos can patch their remaining holes with free agents

By most accounts, the Broncos had a very good draft. They were able to select multiple players who should start right away, plugging holes on the depth chart in the process.

This came on the heels of a solid run during free agency, where Denver traded for and signed veterans that will be an upgrade. On paper, Denver’s roster is much improved over last season.

That said, all of the problems have not been fixed. There are still things that John Elway can do to make the team better in 2020.

And he has the money to do it. Currently, the Broncos have more than $18 million in salary cap space, a number that can balloon to more than $22 million if they part ways with tight end Jeff Heuerman. Even after signing their rookie class, Denver will have room to sign another veteran or two.

Who would make sense? A look at the team’s remaining needs provides some potential answers:

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OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Garett Bolles isn’t as bad as the fans think he is, but he’s also not as good as the Broncos seem to believe. By the end of last season, he was a serviceable left tackle. He’s also reliable, having played on all 1,015 offensive snaps for Denver in 2019. The same can’t be said for Ja’Wuan James, as the Broncos starting left tackle hardly saw the field last year after signing a four-year, $51-million contract in the offseason.

Given this situation, an insurance policy at tackle wouldn’t be a bad idea. Denver could use someone who can replace Bolles if he turns into a penalty machine again and fill in for James if he can’t stay healthy.

Jason Peters is 38 years old, so he doesn’t have a lot of years left. But the nine-time Pro Bowl selection could collect another paycheck by being a spot player in Denver. That might make sense for the veteran.

Kelvin Beachum is a less-heralded option, as he’s never made a Pro Bowl during his eight seasons with the Steelers, Jaguars and Jets. But he’ll only be 31 in June, making him a potential long-term answer, as well.

Michael Schofield struggled when he was a Bronco, but resurrected his career with the Chargers. He’s better as a guard, which could be useful if Lloyd Cushenberry isn’t ready to start as a rookie. And he can pop outside if needed.

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WIDE RECEIVER

It seems crazy, given that the Broncos drafted three wide receivers, but it’s still an area of concern heading into 2020. Jerry Jeudy is going to be a star. K.J. Hamler has big-play ability. And Tyrie Cleveland has a chance to make the team, despite being a seventh-round pick. But they’re still rookies; there will be a learning curve.

Other than Courtland Sutton, who is only entering his third season in the NFL, there isn’t a lot of veteran presence in the Broncos wide receivers room to help with that transition. Despite the influx of new talent, Denver could still use a wideout with some experience.

Paul Richardson was a good player during his four seasons in Seattle, highlighted by a 2017 campaign in which he caught 44 passes for 703 yards and six touchdowns. That led to a free-agent deal with the Redskins, where things never quite worked out. A change of scenery would do the former Buff wonders.

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CORNERBACK

Michael Ojemudia is going to have a chance to compete for the third cornerback spot, which is essentially a starting position in today’s NFL. Currently, Isaac Yiadom holds that place on Denver’s depth chart, but it’s a tenuous grip, at best.

Of course, that’s assuming Bryce Callahan is the Broncos No. 2 cornerback, behind A.J. Bouye. He certainly has the talent to fill that role, but after missing all of last season with a foot injury, there has to be a concern about whether or not he can stay healthy.

So adding a veteran cornerback makes a lot of sense. He could replace Callahan if needed, while also helping bridge the gap to Ojemudia during the rookie’s transition to the NFL.

Logan Ryan has been a major contributor on playoff teams throughout his seven-year career. First, it was with the Patriots. Then, he had the same impact on the Titans. Last season, he helped Tennessee reach the AFC Championship Game. On the year, he posted 113 tackles and four interceptions.

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MIDDLE LINEBACKER

Alexander Johnson was a pleasant surprise in 2019. After sitting behind Josey Jewell during the first four games of the season, the second-year player finally got a chance to start in Week 5. He never looked back, entrenching himself in the middle of Vic Fangio’s defense and becoming a bit of a rising star in league circles.

Who will play next to Johnson isn’t as promising, however. Todd Davis is the current starter, but the veteran is an average player at best. He’s also in the last year of his contract, meaning he’s not the long-term answer for the Broncos.

Alec Ogletree was a very productive player during the first five years of his career. He parlayed those seasons with the Rams into a five-year, $42 million contract with the Giants. But after just two seasons, both of which were a bit disappointing, New York parted ways with the middle linebacker. He’s still a capable player, however, able to go sideline to sideline, as well as cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield.

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With the moves the Broncos have made this offseason, they’re positioned to be a surprise team in 2020. A run at the playoffs isn’t out of the question.

But if they add another piece of two, they might be able to do more than be a fringe postseason contender. With the right veteran additions, Denver could be a tough out come January.

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