Ranking Denver Broncos' Biggest Needs to Address in the 2015 Draft

As John Elway and the rest of the Denver Broncos organization prepares its war room for the 2015 NFL draft, speculation persists as to which players will be wearing blue and orange next season.

Sitting at the bottom of the first round, the Broncos will have to wait patiently before making their first pick, but several strategies must be formulated.

Some teams believe in drafting the best player available, while others draft for need. Regardless of the best player available, the Broncos have six positions that should be addressed through the draft.

Just how important each position is to the team is based on factors such as how much depth is already on the roster and the caliber of players that can be obtained in this draft.

Based on these elements, I've ranked, in descending order, the team's biggest draft needs.

6. Free Safety

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Rahim Moore left the Broncos via free agency, signing with the Houston Texans. Once thought to be one of the most promising young safeties in the league, Moore leaves the team after four seasons.

Though he did rack up eight interceptions with the Broncos, Moore will always be remembered for a disastrous play in the 2013 playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens.

That leaves the team with a need at the safety spot to complement the hard-hitting T.J. Ward, though the free-agent signing of Darian Stewart will help shore up the position for the time being.

The Broncos also have Kayvon Webster and David Bruton, who could see time at free safety. We may even see Bradley Roby shifted to that position.

"

Broncos signed Darian Stewart. But want flexibility to get/keep best players on field. So that's why might experiment w Roby at safety

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 23, 2015"

Still, a guy like Durell Eskridge would be hard to pass up if he's available in the fourth round.

5. Inside Linebacker

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The Broncos have a very solid starting linebacker corps, well equipped to run a 3-4 defensive scheme.

DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller will be tough for any team to handle coming off the edge, but the inside may not be as solid.

Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan have both proven to be very effective players for the Broncos, but they come with concerns. Trevathan missed most of the 2014 season with various injuries, and the recent report of Marshall having offseason foot surgery is fairly concerning.

"

Just to add to my report. Broncos LB Brandon Marshall did indeed have surgery on his foot last month. But he should be ready come camp.

— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) April 16, 2015"

That could lead the team to look for a player to add depth at the inside linebacker position later in the draft, though Steven Johnson, Lamin Barrow, Todd Davis and Corey Nelson saw action last season.

The seriousness of Marshall's injury will likely dictate if the Broncos draft another linebacker, as well as how early the team chooses to do so.

4. Guard

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

The Broncos brought in Shelley Smith, a player familiar with Gary Kubiak's zone blocking scheme, this offseason, but will he be enough?

With Orlando Franklin moving to the San Diego Chargers, the Broncos are left with just Smith, Orlando Vasquez, Jon Halapio and Ben Garland as the only guards on the team.

Despite his high salary, Manny Ramirez remains on the roster. He and last year's third-round pick, Michael Schofield, could give the Broncos more options at the guard spot.

Still, finding a player who can excel in the zone blocking scheme could be a priority for this Broncos team.

Laken Tomlinson of Duke could be a player the Broncos might find in the third round. If they wait a round or two later, Jeremiah Poutasi of Utah makes a lot of sense.

3. Defensive End

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

If the Broncos can find the right piece through the draft, defensive end is a position that can always become a steal. However, reaching for one is not necessary for this team.

Switching to a 3-4 scheme will do wonders for the defensive ends Denver already has. Broncos fans should prepare to see the best version of Derek Wolfe we've seen as a pro. Malik Jackson will also continue to blossom.

On top of that, don't sleep on the acquisition of Antonio Smith. He has been very productive for Wade Phillips in the past.

"

Antonio Smith’s role with Broncos: pass rush, leader: The Denver Broncos moved quickly to sign defensive end A... http://t.co/aScAFuq1La

— NFL (@NFL_Links) April 7, 2015"

With that said, more depth could definitely be used at the defensive end spot.

2. Defensive Tackle

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

Will the switch to a 3-4 scheme be what helps former first-round pick Sylvester Williams break out? It's possible. But the team would also be taking a huge risk if it didn't have a backup plan.

In fact, Marvin Austin may have a better chance of starting at defensive tackle over Williams. To this point, Williams has been a disappointment.

Aside from Williams and Austin, the Broncos don't have another defensive tackle on the roster. They do have the option of moving a player like Jackson into that spot.

This is a good draft for defensive tackles, and it would be shocking if Denver didn't select one of them.

Clemson's Grady Jarrett, Iowa's Carl Davis or Auburn's Gabe Wright would all be terrific choices if they are on the board when the Broncos come up in the second or third round. Jarrett could even warrant a first-round selection.

"

.@portajonritchie is excited by Grady Jarrett & says the #Clemson DT prospect would be perfect for #Broncos pic.twitter.com/3bkFzvwUw2

— PFTonNBCSN (@PFTonNBCSN) April 15, 2015"

All three players would fit well in a 3-4 scheme and each would have the chance to start right away.

Joey Mbu of Houston also presents an interesting option if the Broncos decide to wait on selecting a defensive tackle.

It is clear that the team needs to choose a defensive tackle who can contribute early and often in the 2015 season.

1. Right Tackle

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Right tackle has to be at the top of Denver's draft board, not only because it is a major position of need, but also because the draft is littered with talent at that spot.

La'el Collins, Andrus Peat, D.J. Humphries, T.J. Clemmings and Ereck Flowers all have the potential to be first-round draft picks. Humphries and Clemmings are two players the Broncos should note as two players who could definitely fall to them at No. 28.

If either player is there, the Broncos must select him.

Chris Clark was benched last season and Paul Cornick struggled when he saw the field. Schofield could be the wild card, but the Broncos need a player who can help anchor the line for many years to come. If Denver felt that Schofield was that player, why didn't he see the field last season?

"

Right tackle D.J. Humphries is a possibility for #broncos in first round if go for right tackle. He enjoyed strong pro day recently

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 14, 2015"

In the case of Clemmings, he could even become the left tackle of the future if and when the team moves on from Ryan Clady.

The offensive line was a weak spot in 2014 and it must become much stronger if the Broncos are to be serious contenders in 2015. Addressing the right tackle position in the first round is the right move to make.