After winning Super Bowl 50 the Broncos faltered despite a strong start and missed the post-season. The defence still ranks among the best in the league but if this team is to do any damage next year they will need to figure out the quarterback and offensive line problems. New head coach Vance Joseph will take over for recently retired Gary Kubiak.
Arrivals/Departures:
Arrivals: Ronald Leary, Menelik Watson, Domata Peko, Zach Kerr, Kasim Edebali, Bobby Richardson
Departures: DeMarcus Ware, Russell Okung, Sylvester Williams, Kayvon Webster, Dekoda Watson
Offence:
This teams biggest question is its quarterbacks as Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch both struggled last year. Siemian started a majority of the games playing well at the start but performed weaker down the stretch with Lynch playing during Siemian's injuries at an inconsistent rate pointing to Siemian to once again start. CJ Anderson missed much of last season but when healthy adds physicality to the run game. Devontae Booker backs him up after a decent rookie season as well as former elite Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles coming off two off-years ended by injuries. Andy Janovich will also get playing time as the fullback. The strength of Denver's offence is their star wide receiver tandem of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders who can both take over games. Bennie Fowler and Cody Latimer will be the receivers behind them on the depth chart. Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman will get shots to be the starting tight end but if late-round draft pick Jake Butt plays well he could start. Matt Paradis is the star of the offensive line and controls it at the center position with Max Garcia and newly acquired Ronald Leary starting as the guards. Donald Stephenson will start at right tackle but left tackle will be a battle between Ty Sambralio and first-round pick Garett Bolles.
Defence:
The defence won them Super Bowl 50 and it still may be the best in the league despite failing to make the playoffs. Derek Wolfe is the defense's best player as he dominates the line with former Bengal Domata Peko starting at nose tackle and Jared Crick and the other end spot. Kyle Peko and DeMarcus Walker will also get significant time playing in the rotation. Von Miller ranks among the best edge rushers around as he makes every play when the game is on the line. Von Miller dominates games on his own and takes down triple teams allowing other Broncos to get to the quarterback. Brandon Marshall is a solid middle linebacker with edge rusher Shane Ray ready for a breakout year and Todd Davis is the other starter. Shaquil Barrett and Corey Nelson will also get playing time at linebacker. Denver has the best secondary in the NFL as they host two start cornerbacks in feisty Aqib Talib and Chris Harris who both shadow the game's best receivers. Bradley Roby is also a very good cornerback who will play nickel with Talib and Harris. TJ Ward can dominate the safety position with his play and with Darian Stewart at free safety the unit tops off as the league's best.
Special Teams:
Brandon McManus returns with his cannon of a leg to kick field goals once again in the Mile High City. After a successful rookie campaign Riley Dixon will be the punter again with star wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders returning punts and Cody Latimer returning kickoffs.
Starters:
Offence
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Defence
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Demaryius Thomas
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Derek Wolfe
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Emmanuel Sanders
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Domata Peko
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Ty Sambralio
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Jared Crick
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Ronald Leary
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Von Miller
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Matt Paradis
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Brandon Marshall
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Max Garcia
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Todd Davis
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Donald Stephenson
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Shane Ray
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Virgil Green
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Aqib Talib
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Trevor Siemian
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TJ Ward
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CJ Anderson
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Darian Stewart
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Andy Janovich
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Chris Harris
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2017 Draft:
20. Garett Bolles
51. DeMarcus Walker
82. Carlos Henderson
101. Brendan Langley
145. Jake Butt
172. Isaiah McKenzie
203. De'Angelo Henderson
253. Chad Kelly
Top 10 Players:
10. Derek Wolfe
9. CJ Anderson
8. Matt Paradis
7. Brandon Marshall
6. TJ Ward
5. Emmanuel Sanders
4. Demaryius Thomas
3. Chris Harris Jr
2. Aqib Talib
1. Von Miller
Season Prediction: 8-8 (3rd in AFC West)
Last Year: 9-7
Photo credit for Ronald Leary goes to http://www.denverbroncos.com/. Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders goes to http://www.espn.com/. Von Miller goes to http://www.foxsports.com/. Aqib Talib goes to http://www.sportsnet.ca/.
