Denver Broncos: 2012 Needs Analysis and Priority Ranking

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The quick turn around from weekly game planning to planning for next season and beyond is underway and in full swing.

Bronco scouts are covering today's College East-West Shrine Game, and the entire staff and front office will be present and accounted for at next weeks College Senior Bowl.

The debates are in full swing as to where the greatest positional needs lie and who would best fill those needs through the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency.

I am simply going to concentrate on the current roster and where I believe the Broncos needs are most significant.

In my opinion, this team is in need of an infusion of depth in addition to that much needed immediate impact player or two.

I will leave the subjective and speculative job of filling these holes with names to you.

1. Cornerback

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The starting CB's, Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, are ages 33 and 32, respectively.

Backing them up is a corps of inexperienced youth with much promise in Chris Harris, Cassius Vaughn and Syd' Quan Thompson.

In my estimation, this unit needs to draft a shutdown corner with its first pick in the draft and allow the aforementioned understudies to continue to develop and add much needed depth.

The heir apparent to Champ Bailey must be sought out and in place for the foreseeable future.

2. Defensive Tackle

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

The Broncos must get more production in stopping the run and collapsing the pocket from the inside, from the front line of defense.

Ty Warren is spoken about frequently, but keep in mind, he is 30 years of age and coming back from a season-ending injury.

Sure, if healthy, Warren will provide some depth, but those are big if's at age 30.

Brodrick Bunkley was serviceable and Marcus Thomas underachieved. There is simply not enough quality depth behind these two to be pushed appropriately, with or without Ty Warren.

This unit needs needs an infusion of talented youth in order to make the Bronco defense more relevant up front.

3. Running Back

Al Bello/Getty Images

I have been a huge Willis McGahee fan for many years, but it is time to think of the future when looking at and dealing with a John Fox, run-heavy offense.

If Tim Tebow remains the starting QB, this position takes on a new meaning in the offense, even though the general consensus is that the offense would hopefully become more balanced and conventional next year with Tebow.

A young, big, bruising back who is adept at running east and west as proficiently as running north and south and can make tacklers miss is needed.

I know, this is what every team desires, but given Fox's penchant for this style of running for his scheme, it is imperative that he is found.

4. Defensive End

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Depth, depth, depth is the word of the day, as the Broncos do not have any at this position. This unit is dangerously thin.

Robert Ayers showed us some flashes, but he must be pushed.

If he can deliver consistently as the bookend opposite Elvis Dumervil, the Broncos would have added some much needed depth at end.

If Ayers cannot be that other bookend, then he would provide some quality depth.

Regardless, Ayers must be challenged, and that challenge will be not coming from anyone currently on the roster.

Dumervil and Von Miller from the strong side must have help to be as formidable as they can be.

5. Safety

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The loss of Brian Dawkins pointed out just where this unit stands without his services.

Quinton Carter made a nice recovery as the season progressed, as did David Bruton, when pressed into duty.

The jury is still out on Rahim Moore, as he was ineffective and disappointing.

The Broncos have a great deal invested in Carter and Moore, so fully expect them to be counted upon with a years experience in the books.

With that being said and with the uncertainty surrounding Moore, this unit must be the recipient of added depth.

In this case, I favor a veterans presence alongside Carter as the younger players continue to grow and mature.

6. Quarterback

Elsa/Getty Images

Depth and competition is what a QB is needed for.

Tebow must be pushed and challenged in camp by a more conventional QB, as that is what drives Tebow and makes him the best he can be.

As with all positions, Tebow is not immune from an open and honest QB challenge, with him being the incumbent. It is Tebow's job to lose.

In addition, his injuries pointed out just how important quality depth is at the position.

Adam Weber is signed and aboard and will be give a shot this time around, but more depth and competition is needed.

If the right QB is not there later in the draft, again, a veteran presence would suit me fine.

7. Wide Receiver

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I would like a complement wide receiver to Demaryius Thomas who could stretch the field from the opposite side.

I believe Eric Decker will rebound in the slot and Julius Thomas will regain good health as a legitimate tight end threat. Matthew Willis, and possibly Eddie Royal, can round out this unit, but again, a speedster with soft hands is needed.

8. Linebacker

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

I like this unit a great deal and feel as though in many ways they have only scratched the surface.

I think what is needed here is depth at the strong side and at middle linebacker.

The weak side is fine with DJ Williams and Wesley Woodyard, although, the middle is exposed from a quality depth perspective if Joe Mays can in fact rebound from a late season drop off in production.

If Mays cannot rebound adequately, I remain unsold on Nate Irving starting, being an inexperienced rookie.

As a later need, this area of concern should not be ignored.