The Denver Broncos had another busy offseason. After completing a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks last offseason to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson, they were back at it this year.
This time around, it was head coach Sean Payton who was acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. The Broncos are hoping that he can help get Wilson back on track and turn things around after one disastrous season with Nathaniel Hackett as head coach.
In addition to the Payton trade, the Broncos spent a ton of money in free agency. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey, offensive guard Ben Powers and defensive end Zach Allen were the big-ticket signings.
Those three players will fill voids on the roster, but other holes still exist. The offensive line could still use some help even after the addition of McGlinchey and Powers. They are weakest on the interior at the center spot. Finding some edge-rushing depth could also be on their to-do list and some help could come in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Denver will have to wait a while to make their first pick, as they do not currently own one in the first or second round. But, they will be picking back-to-back in the third round with Nos. 67 and 68 overall.
Could they reunite Ohio State products at the next level? According to Jordan Reid and Matt Miller of ESPN, two players to keep an eye on for the Broncos are former Buckeyes Luke Wypler and Zach Harrison.
Wypler would fill Denver’s need along the offensive line at the center position. Protecting Wilson is of the utmost importance in 2023 if the Broncos want their offense to get back on track after surrendering 55 sacks last season. If the team doesn’t see value in selecting a center that early, they would target Olu Oluwatimi out of Michigan on Day 3, who has a chance to be a starter right off the bat.
On defense, Harrison would provide some immediate depth at defensive end with some upside. His combination of size, speed and athleticism is very intriguing and as a former five-star recruit, the pedigree is certainly there.
Those qualities didn’t always translate to production on the field, but the ingredients to succeed are there. With the Broncos he could start as a rotation piece and with some development could turn into a high-impact starter down the line.
