Best Draft-Day Contingency Plans for Denver Broncos

With the 2015 NFL draft commencing in less than two months and free agency officially kicking off next week, the 2014 NFL season is officially underway. It doesn't matter who won or lost; everyone is back to 0-0 and the future is bright. (Well, for some.) 

On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos got some big news that answers a looming question for them. Quarterback Peyton Manning officially announced that he will return for another season. The 38-year-old (39 on March 24) future Hall of Famer took a $4 million pay cut to help the team finance his return. (Don't worry, he's still making a cool $15 million.)

With Manning officially coming back and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas franchise tagged, the Broncos have locked up two huge pieces of their offense. Their draft contingency plans thereby put the focus on defense, offensive line and a tight end replacement for Julius Thomas, who will likely sign a large contract elsewhere. 

Don't Get Sexy

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

In my opinion, the more boring your draft is, the better state your team is in. If this logic is true, the Broncos should be set for a good season in 2015. 

It's unlikely that the Broncos will draft any players who will bolster your fantasy football roster, but they will be drafting guys who will help keep Peyton Manning upright and uninjured, and that will bolster your fantasy football roster. 

So while the Broncos' draft is unlikely to be sexy, that doesn't make it any less successful. They can kick back and chuckle at all the teams who need to draft rookie quarterbacks and know that their quarterback is old enough to be a rookie's father. (That actually might not be the best way too look at it...)

Pictured: Cameron Erving, center/guard, Florida State

Start with a Defensive Tackle

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The two places where the Broncos need to improve the most is in the trenches. Both the offensive line and the defensive line could get better, and of all the positions on these two lines, defensive tackle is the weakest. 

With veteran defensive tackle Terrance Knighton unlikely to return and young players Sylvester Williams and Marvin Austin still unproven, the Broncos need to draft a talented and athletic big man to clog up the middle. 

There is some debate among experts and analysts about whether the Broncos should use their first pick on a defensive tackle or an offensive lineman, yet I think the hole at defensive tackle and the crop of talent that should be available to the Broncos with the 28th pick makes this pick a no-brainer. 

If Florida State's Eddie Goldman (pictured) is available to the Broncos, I think he's the man they should take. He has tremendous size, a great reach at 6'4" and the athleticism and agility of a much smaller man. Should Goldman be off the board, however, (most are projecting him to be picked around 23rd, so it will be close) I like Jordan Phillips, a big nose tackle from Oklahoma and a massive human being (6'6", 324 lbs.).

Draft a Tight End, but Don't Reach for One

Mel Evans/Associated Press

A few mock draft projections I've seen have the Broncos using their first pick to draft Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams. I think it's unlikely that the Broncos will actually do this, and I also think that it's wise that they don't. 

Don't get me wrong—Williams is a hell of a player and has the potential to be a huge offensive asset. He has the makings of a young Rob Gronkowski, and we all know how well that's been working out for the New England Patriots. 

An offensive asset may score points and be fun to watch, yet having a great tight end will not carry a team to the Super Bowl. The Broncos offense is lethal enough that a tight end replacement for Julius Thomas can be found later in the draft. 

A guy I like a lot who will likely be around in Round 3 and possibly even in Round 4 is Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft. (pictured) It may be a Jersey bias, but I think Kroft has all the potential of Williams. His athleticism is comparable and his height (6'6") is great. If he can gain a few pounds (most guys don't struggle with this), he can be a stud in the NFL and a steal in the draft. 

Use at Least Three Picks on Offensive Linemen

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

The bad news is that the Denver offensive line needs a serious face lift. The good news is that the rest of the Broncos' roster is complete enough that they can focus their draft heavily on correcting the offensive line. 

While they don't need to spend their first pick on a big man to protect Peyton Manning, they do need to spend at least three picks after on a right tackle, a center and a guard. 

If Manning goes down, the season likely goes down with him. I'm pretty certain Manning knows that, win or lose, this will be his last NFL season. It's now or never for the Manning-led Broncos, so they had better do all they can to keep their old, yet wise, quarterback upright and healthy. 

Pictured: Hroniss Grasu, center, Oregon