NFL Power Rankings 2019: Post-mandatory minicamp edition

19. Denver Broncos (26)

Ever since Peyton Manning retired following their big Super Bowl win, the Denver Broncos have had issues finding the right fit to play under center. They originally expected former second-round pick, Brock Osweiler, to be the man but he left in free agency following four years of grooming — although that proved to be a blessing as he was a huge bust. Once he was out of the picture they went for Paxton Lynch, but the first round pick could never beat out Trevor Siemian.

While Siemian proved to be a decent player, he couldn’t consistently carry an offense which led to general manager John Elway going after Case Keenum last offseason. Again, this didn’t work so Keenum was traded away and Elway doubled down on his quarterback search.

First, he traded for a Super Bowl winner in Joe Flacco from Baltimore. Flacco’s on the back nine of his career, but he’s the most accomplished passer they’ve had since Manning. Then Elway landed Drew Lock, who somehow was available in the second round still.

On top of that, the Broncos also added tight end Noah Fant and offensive lineman Dalton Risner in what was probably Elway’s best draft as a GM. They’re still in a tough division but this was a good offseason for the Broncos.