Denver Broncos: Top 5 Draft and Free Agent Needs for 2012

After a 1-4 start, the Denver Broncos put some excitement back into their game and managed to win the AFC West. After beating the Steelers in a playoff upset, they crashed and burned against the Patriots, showing how far they have to go to become an elite team in 2012.     

Can they do it?  They have a solid core, a winning quarterback, good coaching and led the NFL in rushing.  But they need help.

What are the Broncos' top needs in 2012? 

1. Strong Safety. 

This need was exposed in the playoffs.  Pro Bowler Brian Dawkins is an outstanding leader in the secondary who keeps everybody lined up in the right position. His play was sorely missed in the playoffs due to a serious neck injury and he is likely to retire. 

What the Broncos really need is a hard-hitting strong safety to replace Dawkins. Expect this need to be addressed in the first or second round of the 2012 draft if they can’t get a quality free agent.  

 2. Backup Quarterback.

Tim Tebow and practice squad player Adam Weber are the only quarterbacks under contract for 2012.  Free-agent backup Brady Quinn is likely to go elsewhere, looking for a starting job. 

The Broncos are committed to Tebow but need a solid backup in free agency or the draft.  Expect a second or mid-round pick to be used here. They could also trade up if the right quarterback is available, preferably one who could also run the option.    

Rumors that the Broncos will look to trade Tebow before the draft are absurd.  It won’t happen.   

3. Running Back. 

The Broncos have a strong starter in Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno returns in 2012 from injured reserve. But they need a change of pace back with game-breaking speed.  Because of their commitment to the ground game, they will draft a least one running back and probably more. They are also likely to bring in one or more free agents. 

 A third-down back with good hands and elusive speed would be ideal. 

4. Receiver. 

This was one of the Broncos' deepest positions, but they traded acrobatic Brandon Loyd to St. Louis midway through the season. And 2011 starter Eddie Royal, who says he wants to stay with the Broncos, is a free agent. 

Demaryius Thomas is a potential No. 1 receiver and Eric Decker is a solid No. 2.  Matthew Willis adds depth, but if Royal isn’t re-signed they need a slot receiver. The Broncos will draft at least one receiver and bring in one or more free agents. 

 5. Dominant Defensive Tackle.

The Broncos have good depth at defensive tackle. Starters Marcus Thomas (now a free agent) and Brodrick Bunkley are fairly stout at the point of attack. Ty Warren and Kevin Vickerson, the projected starters in training camp, return from injured reserve in 2012.  Ryan McBean is a solid backup who played in all 16 games in 2011.

What the Broncos do not have, however, is a dominant inside lineman to penetrate and create pressure up the middle. This need may go unfilled as there are more pressing needs for 2012.

If the Broncos fill their most pressing needs, they will surely contend for the AFC West Division Title in 2012 and could be dangerous in the playoffs.