Biggest remaining holes for the Broncos
Quarterback remains a big question mark for the Broncos heading into 2017, Scott Kacsmar writes.




















Quarterback remains a big question mark for the Broncos heading into 2017, Scott Kacsmar writes.
The Broncos are still looking to add versatile depth pieces up front, so signing Jared Odrick would make sense.
As a broadcaster, Jay Cutler has a chance at the public reboot he never received as a player. His reputation is a reminder of the value of a first impression. Indeed, Cutler's recent mellowing went all but unnoticed because of his insolence as a young player. Smart, humorous analysis -- of which he is perfectly capable -- would finally flip that impression.
Shane Ray says he has learned a lot from DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, and he's ready to play a more prominent role in the Broncos' defense.
Smoke screens, bluffs, misdirection and misinformation all are part of NFL general managers' standard operating procedure leading up to the draft.
Former Broncos coach Red Miller was elected to the team's Ring of Fame Thursday. Miller is the second coach in the franchise's history to be honored with a spot in the Ring of Fame -- Dan Reeves is the other -- and Miller is the 32nd player, coach or team executive overall to be selected. Miller led the team to the first of its eight Super Bowl appearances -- in 1977 -- and this season will mark the 40th anniversary of that team.
Texas' Malik Jefferson is a tackling machine that should translate into a top-10 pick next year.
One personnel director said third-round pick Carlos Henderson, one of FBS' most productive receivers in 2016, has rare run-after-catch ability.
Jamaal Charles has admired John Elway for a long time, and there's a photo to prove it. He's also eager to face his old Chiefs teammates on the field.
The Broncos know they took risks on Jake Butt, Chad Kelly and Jamaal Charles, but they believe doing their homework and patience will pay off big.
If Jamaal Charles can stay healthy, he should be able to boost a Broncos running attack that averaged just 3.62 yards per carry and finished 27th in rushing yards last season.
Walker is likely to join the Broncos' D-line rotation this season. He should help improve Denver's rush defense.
Jake Butt likely would have carried a first-round grade had he not suffered a torn right ACL in Michigan's bowl game in January.
Some positions are a little more crowded for the Broncos, who have made it clear that there will be competition for jobs.
The Broncos are hoping to reap a run-game reward by signing former Chiefs back Jamaal Charles to a one-year deal.
Jamaal Charles has averaged 5.5 yards per rush in his NFL career, the highest rate in history among those with 1,000 rushes. In the last two seasons, Charles has played eight games and has had one game with 100 rushing yards: 2015 Week 2 against the Broncos.
The Broncos signed free-agent running back Jamaal Charles to a one-year deal that sources say could be worth up to $3.75 million.
The Broncos presented DeMarcus Ware with a framed jersey after practice today and he posed for photos with entire team. Ware, who retired in March, spent part of the day at the team's complex. The team is expected to do something a little more formal for fans to see at the Broncos' Week 2 home game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Broncos filled their biggest need with OT Garett Bolles, but also pulled off some impressive maneuvering on draft day.
Throughout free agency and the draft the Broncos' brass have harped on the words "tough" and "mentality."
Jamaal Charles, who played in just three games last season because of pain in his knees, will visit with the Broncos on Tuesday.
With the Broncos remaining unsettled under center, they're going to have to get Garett Bolles ready to play left tackle.
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(20) | Garett Bolles | OT | Utah |
| 2(19) | DeMarcus Walker | DE | Florida State |
| 3(18) | Carlos Henderson | WR | Louisiana Tech |
| 3(37) | Brendan Langley | CB | Lamar |
| 5(1) | Jake Butt | TE | Michigan |
| 5(29) | Isaiah McKenzie | WR | Georgia |
| 6(19) | De'Angelo Henderson | RB | Coastal Carolina |
| 7(35) | Chad Kelly | QB | Ole Miss |
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 389 | 311 |
| Oakland | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 416 | 385 |
| Denver | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 333 | 297 |
| San Diego | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 410 | 423 |
| NAME | POS | TYPE | PREV. TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Abdul-Quddus | S | UFA | DET |
| S. Acho | LB | UFA | CHI |
| J. Adams | OT | UFA | HOU |
| J. Addae | S | RFA | SD |
| D. Aiken | LS | UFA | NYG |




