2011 NFL Draft: Are the Denver Broncos Looking to Upgrade the Defense?

The Denver Broncos are now playing for their third head coach in four seasons. Under former coach Josh McDaniels, Denver unsuccessfully converted to the 3-4 defense, but under new coach John Fox, the Broncos will revert back to the 4-3.

Many of their draft choices and free-agent signings the past two seasons were selected to fill roles in the 3-4 front, but often ended up not working out.

In 2010, with two selections in the first round, the Broncos focused on offense by taking Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow.

Thomas, a raw but physical specimen of a wide receiver out of Georgia Tech, was hurt most of the year. Tebow started the last three games and had some exciting moments. He clearly has a long way to go as a passer in the NFL, but his intangibles are rare. Perrish Cox, a fifth-round pick from Oklahoma State, was perhaps Denver's best rookie last season, but has since been accused of sexual assault.

Here are Denver's biggest needs heading into the 2011 NFL Draft:

Defensive Tackle

Denver is making the move back to the 4-3 and probably needs two defensive tackles. Of the current players on the roster, Marcus Thomas is the best DT.

That isn't saying much though.

With Nick Fairley and Marcell Dareus at the top of the draft, Denver will have options here.

Inside Linebacker

D.J. Williams has always been a nice player. He has moved back and forth between the inside and the outside and has no problem compiling statistics. But Williams is best suited for the outside.

The problem for Denver is the best options for them at this position are in the second and third rounds. Martez Wilson of Illinois and Greg Jones of Michigan State are widely regarded as the best two prospects here.

Defensive End

Denver's best pass-rusher is OLB Elvis Dumervil, who is too small to play DE in the 4-3. They need a pass-rusher up front to make this defense work.

This draft is deep with defensive ends, and at one time, Da'Quan Bowers was considered the top overall player. His stock has dropped considerably though because of a knee injury that may require surgery.

Robert Quinn of North Carolina could end up being the best player in the draft. The only knock against Quinn is that he sat out last season due to a suspension.

Denver also has needs at both safety positions. Future Hall-of-Fame cornerback Champ Bailey may not end up playing free safety in the near future, and Brian Dawkins can't go on forever, so an infusion of young talent is important here.

Denver could also use a pass-catching tight end, but clearly most of their pressing needs at this point are on the defensive side of the ball.

Best-case scenario, Denver takes Dareus from Alabama because Carolina ends up selecting Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert.