[Intersaison 2023] Denver Broncos: Saving Private Wilson

To prepare for an NFL season, it starts with an audit: what are the strengths and weaknesses of the workforce? Then, how to strengthen via the market and the draft? The editorial staff of TDActu invites you to take stock of the off-season of the 32 franchises. Today, the Denver Broncos.

After a fanfare 2022 offseason where the Broncos found what they were looking for to be credible Super Bowl contenders with the arrival of Russell Wilson, the Denver franchise sadly got it wrong with the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett for the job. head coach.

More than the disappointing record of 5 wins and 12 losses, it is the visual impression left by the team that will not leave a great memory of this 2022 season. Mockery, humiliation and disappointing performance, Denver is THE flop of the season . The consequence is only brutal, but logical, with the dismissal of Hackett after only 15 weeks of competition.

The arrival (and return to the NFL) of former Saints coach Sean Payton proves one thing: Denver supports its quarterback. At the same time, they have no choice given the contract extension given before the 2023 season, which promises to be turbulent in Colorado.

The owners

1. Justin Simmons (S)
2. Patrick Surtain II (CB)
3. Jerry Jeudy (WR)

The Denver secondary is the strength of the workforce. In 12 games played, safety Justin Simmons made 6 interceptions in 2022, his personal best in a season. Despite a statistically less brilliant season than last year, cornerback Patrick Surtain II remains a solid player on whom Sean Payton and his staff will have to rely for next season.

Few satisfactions in attack in 2022, but receiver Jerry Jeudy is one of the good surprises. The former Alabama star is finally starting to blossom and has found good chemistry with Russell Wilson. With a coach who knows the aerial game very well like Sean Payton next season, he could exceed 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time in his career.

Undesirables

– Graham Glasgow (G/C)
– Ronald Darby (CB)
– Chase Edmonds (RB)

Receiving a salary of 14 million dollars in 2023, Graham Glasgow was one of the most penalized players in 2022 (10 times) and also conceded 5 sacks. The cut of the guard of the Broncos could save 11 million dollars: which is not negligible.

Playing 5 games in 2022 and often injured since his arrival in Denver, Ronald Darby is far from unanimous and is no longer a starting player. Cutting it would save $9 million.

The trade for Chase Edmonds did not work out. Also, Javonte Williams will return. Having a $5 million understudy who didn’t convince in 2022 is expensive. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Broncos part with it before the start of the season.

The summer trio

Russell Wilson (QB) – Javonte Williams (RB) et Sean Payton (HC)

Struggling last season, 2023 could be Russell Wilson’s last season in the Broncos jersey if the quarterback does not perform. 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022, we can expect more from an experienced quarterback.

The front office therefore decides to give him a second chance with Sean Payton, a renowned coach who made Drew Brees a legendary player. Wilson’s other focus this summer is chemistry. Find a better one with his teammates, and a new one with his coach by learning new offensive plays. Which won’t be easy.

Interesting for his rookie season, running back Javonte Williams will return in 2023 from a long injury (cruciate ligament rupture). We don’t see how he could not progress under Sean Payton. Indeed, during his coaching career at the Saints, he advanced players like Mark Ingram, or Alvin Kamara.

Whoever used to call the games at the Saints will no doubt do the same at the Broncos. It is therefore up to him to wake up an attack last in the league last season in terms of points per game (16.9).

The main free agents

1. Dre’Mont Jones (DT)
2. Dalton Risner (G)
3. Alex Singleton (LB)
4. Kareem Jackson (S)
5. Billy Turner (OT)

Autres free agents : Cameron Fleming (OT), Latavius Murray (RB), Marlon Mack (RB), DeShawn Williams (DT)

Dre’Mont Jones and Dalton Risner on the defensive and offensive lines respectively should be a priority. The first had a good season with the added bonus of being named defensive player of the week and the second is one of the leaders on the offensive line. Both players are in their best years and it’s hard to see how Denver could not extend them.

Author of his best season in the number of tackles (163), Alex Singleton deserves an upgrade. But since Denver already gave money for Josey Jewell last year and Baron Browning’s advancement, the linebacker could be left free.

The other free agents are mostly in their thirties and are not indisputable holders. The majority of them should test the market.

Top 5 Needs

1. Edge Rusher
2. Ligne offensive
3. Cornerback
4. Linebacker
5. Tight-end

As written in the previous paragraph, the needs are at the line level. Sean Payton has always done well to have a quality offensive and defensive line on the Louisiana side. The right tackle position should be a priority in particular. Baron Browning could find a middle linebacker position, leaving room for a pass rusher where Bradley Chubb has not yet been replaced.

The other positions are not necessarily main needs, but require more depth. And in this category, we can find the cornerback positions where there is not really a number 2 cornerback behind Patrick Surtain, and the tight-end position where Greg Dulcich is still too tender to claim a starting position.

Target

– Javon Hargrave (DT, Eagles)

Everything will depend on the scheme of the new defensive coordinator, but Denver needs an experienced pass rusher on a team that is aiming for the playoffs or even the Super Bowl.

Able to play in a defense at 3 in a 3-4 or 4 in a 4-3, Javon Hargrave has released his best season since his arrival in the NFL with 11 sacks and 18 pressures on the quarterback. He can be a reinforcement of choice and could make a nice duet with DJ Jones.

Other potential targets: Yannick Ngakoue (EDGE), Mike McGlinchey (OT), Tremaine Edmunds (LB)

The new blood

– Luke Wypler (OL)

Denver’s first picks will be around the 3rd round of the Draft. At that time, Denver will have to rely on players with experience in a position and who can contribute from their first year, not requiring a period of adaptation.

Since his freshman year, Luke Wypler has been a center at Ohio State. During these 3 years at the university, he conceded only one sack and only played in this position.

Very good in pass protection, he still needs to improve on racing games. That’s good, Denver’s problem in 2022 was above all the protection of Russell Wilson. With Luke Wypler, Denver may have solved a lot of the quarterback’s problems.

Autres joueurs potentiels : Matthew Bergeron (OT), Zach Harrison (EDGE), Julius Brents (CB), Olusegun Oluwatimi (OL), Will McDonald IV (EDGE), Tuli Tuipulotu (EDGE)