Major Upgrades on Offense
The offensive line was not considered the biggest area of need in 2019, finishing 12th in Pro Football Focus’ year-end rankings. However, with Lock’s tendency to roll out of the pocket and make strong throws on the run, many have wondered if Denver’s play at each tackle spot is up to the task. With the aforementioned issues with Bolles and James, the Broncos need to take decisive action if improvement does not come quickly. Rumblings have come that Bolles, despite not missing a game in his three years with the team, may not be around long after Denver declined his fifth-year option. James, as well, will need to prove he is worthy of the $51 million on his contract.
Denver also opted to make improvements in the middle of the line, adding Lloyd Cushenberry in the third round and giving Graham Glasgow $44 million as their first major acquisition of free agency. Dalton Risner had a solid showing as a rookie, recording only three penalties and three sacks allowed. The Broncos will be looking to the middle of their offensive line as a strength going into the season, and they should expect swift improvement for their tackles to prove they need to stick around.
However, the receiver room clearly showed itself to be the biggest area of need heading into the offseason, especially after Emmanuel Sanders’ departure for San Francisco via midseason trade. Enter Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, the team’s top two draft picks. Jeudy was widely considered the best prospect in the draft at wide receiver, despite shockingly not being the first one chosen. His elite route-running skills will allow him to fit very well opposite Cortland Sutton, who tends to pull more coverage downfield on deeper routes.
Hamler, on the other hand, looks to develop into a great pass-catcher out of the slot, a role he excelled in at Penn State. While Hamler was not clocked for a true 40-yard dash, Elway used his own tools and timed Hamler’s 40-yard split on a 100-yard kick return against Michigan. The time? 3.93. Not a true time for the drill, but highly impressive speed, nonetheless. If he can cut down on the excess drops from his last season with the Nittany Lions, Hamler figures to fit into their offense very well.
Finally, in a strange turn of fate, Denver opted to supplement their backfield with the addition of Melvin Gordon, a head-scratching move to some after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from incumbent starter Philip Lindsay. Given Gordon’s $8 million-per-year price tag, his addition to the roster seemed to be a confusing one; the move is likely intended to utilize Gordon’s pass-catching ability, as he has finished with multiple season of 40+ receptions. Only time will tell which of the two players controls the bulk of the snaps. In any case, the Broncos have two talented players waiting to take the field behind Lock.
