Denver Broncos: Great offseason for last place team means what?

The Denver Broncos did everything right this offseason, but still must find a way to crawl out of the basement in the AFC West in 2018. Where do they stand after reloading?

No matter how poor or successful a team’s season was, there are always major offseason questions on the front burner. The NFL turns over too much for even the best teams to advance a calendar year unscathed. Let’s continue the team-by-team overview with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos seem to have had one of the better offseasons for a last-place team. Still playing in a tough division, that is no guarantee they will bounce back to the postseason, but plans have been laid. What is to make of their rapid rebuild for 2018?

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, debate the Denver Bronos in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Todd Salem:

The Denver Broncos signed Case Keenum to play quarterback, traded for Jared Veldheer to add to an improving offensive line (Garett Bolles and Ronald Leary were big additions in 2017), and drafted big pieces at pass rush, wide receiver, and running back, among others. Despite picking fifth in the draft, Denver came away with the class’ best defender and two skill players who should see major snaps in year one. The Broncos even managed to add one of the best punters in the league in Marquette King after Jon Gruden jettisoned the NFL’s only interesting person at the position.

The trade of Aqib Talib was the only major move that made the team worse in 2018, but it was a necessity to clear cap space for Keenum and clear playing time for Bradley Roby. The net gain may still be positive for the Talib move.

There are still questions about this roster. Can Shane Ray develop as a starter? Will Keenum be as good in a new system? Can the skill players after Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders deliver enough consistency? Those answers will be the key to Denver’s heights this season.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Color me optimistic about its chances. Even if Ray disappoints, I like Shaq Barrett behind him. And Bradley Chubb may end up being the starting outside linebacker opposite Von Miller anyway. If not, he will slot in at defensive end and improve the entire front seven. I’m also high on the running back duo of Devontae Booker and Royce Freeman. Heck, tight ends Jeff Heuerman and Jake Butt may even be ready to contribute in a major way. Both were held back by injuries entering the league. In limited snaps last year, Heuerman managed to lead the team in yards per catch of anyone with at least three receptions. And he did the same in 2016, his first season seeing the field.

The AFC West has four relatively even clubs compared with other divisions. It will be hard for the Broncos to jump from last to first, but I feel oddly confident in their chances. We haven’t yet discussed or investigated over/under win totals for the coming 2018 season, but I would guess that Denver has the lowest projected total and is going to be my favorite pick of the foursome.

Dan Salem:

Something about the Denver Broncos scares me in 2018. They got the best defensive player at the top of the draft and possibly the best player overall, adding to the strength of the team. I fully believe in drafting the best player available and bolstering your strength, as opposed to trying to fill holes and averaging out your weakness.

My New York Jets did this in 2015 by selecting Leonard Williams sixth overall and they ended up with one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the league that season. They also overachieved with 10 wins, narrowly missing the playoffs. Can the Broncos capture similar magic this season with their own equally great defense?

If not for the strength of the AFC West, I may feel more confident in Denver. They had a very solid draft and their roster is littered with options at the major skill positions. The competition will be fierce, which is excellent for both the offense and defense. Keenum did a great job as a leader last season and brings a winning attitude into the locker room. You aren’t wrong to think the pieces have fallen into place for this football team. Yet their schedule leaves me with tempered expectations.

Every divisional game will be tough, even if the Chiefs finally take that step back everyone has been talking about. This is because each of Denver’s primary opponents have proven quarterbacks, Kansas City aside. They must face the Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.

Only a single three-game stretch offers much reprieve based upon last season’s results, but it’s all the way in December. The Broncos must survive until Thanksgiving and remain in the playoff hunt, before seizing their opportunity to overtake the competition in the standings.

More AFC: NY Jets Lucky Draft Proves Plan is Working

I’m rooting for this football team, mainly because I don’t like Kansas City and Oakland. I’m just suspect of Denver’s rise in 2018, as opposed to 2019. Relying too heavily on youth is an all or nothing game that the Denver Broncos can not afford to lose.