NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

7 Possible Denver Broncos targets in the 2019 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 12: Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway fields questions from the media during a press conference to introduce Vance Josepf as the new head coach at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre on January 12, 2017 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 12: Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway fields questions from the media during a press conference to introduce Vance Josepf as the new head coach at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre on January 12, 2017 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 8
Next
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos have moved on from Case Keenum and brought in Joe Flacco, but how can they help out a new quarterback in the 2019 NFL Draft?

A day before Valentines Day, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway broke Case Keenum’s heart. The Super Bowl winning quarterback and GM said so long to the veteran signed in the 2018 offseason, or at least ended his time as the starter in Denver. Elway shipped a fourth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in return for former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco.

The trade makes it clear that Elway’s Broncos are in win-now mode. With Flacco behind center, Elway must find the right pieces to ensure his success. Some may argue it’s something the Ravens struggled to do during the latter part of Flacco’s tenure. Regardless of if that’s true, Denver can’t afford to not maximize their latest investment. Thus, they need to get help in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Offensively, the Broncos have two immensely talented, young, hard runners in Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. The former, was an undrafted gem who dominated with 1,037 yards (averaging 5.4 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns as a rookie. Meanwhile, Freeman rushed for over 500 yards with five touchdowns as a rookie. The two will stay the focal points of the offense as Flacco gets adjusted.

There are a pair of young receivers in Denver as well who should benefit from Flacco coming into town. His big arm gives second-year pro Courtland Sutton an opportunity to make more plays down the field. Sutton’s ability to box out and play above the rim gives Flacco a target similar to Anquan Boldin. DaeSean Hamilton showed promise in his ability to run after the catch. He’s an ideal threat underneath who’ll likely bloom in year two.

The receiver position is a little thin given Emmanuel Sanders’ uncertain future. Moreover, the tight end spot could use an upgrade as well. A more glaring weakness is seen on the offensive line, specifically offensive tackle. They couldn’t protect Keenum and Flacco isn’t mobile, so they’ll have to address the offensive line early and more than once in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Defensively, they have a solid front. Von Miller and the sensational Bradley Chubb are a quarterback-killing dynamic duo as edge pass rushers. In the secondary, Tramaine Brock and Bradley Roby are free agents. There’s no guarantee either cornerback will return considering their 2018 film wasn’t impressive.

New head coach Vic Fangio has his hands full, but the 2019 NFL Draft should help relieve some pressure. With that in mind, let’s look at some prospects that could and should be on Denver’s radar.

Home/Denver Broncos