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The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024 by making the NFL playoffs with a 10-7 record. After getting bounced in the first round of the postseason, though, the Broncos need to improve the roster to make a deeper run next season.
Here’s an early look at some of the team’s top positions of need ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Denver could address some of these positions during free agency in March before the draft in April.
1. Tight end: The Broncos need a playmaker at the position and Penn State’s Tyler Warren would be a dream target.
2. Safety: Brandon Jones was excellent in 2024, but P.J. Locke struggled in a full-time starting role. Denver should make Locke a rotational defensive back next season and bring in a new starter across from Jones.
3. Running back: The Broncos need more juice at the position and Javonte Williams is set to become a free agent in March. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty probably won’t fall to Denver, but can you imagine if he did?
4. Inside linebacker: Alex Singleton is 31 and coming off a torn ACL. Cody Barton and Justin Strnad are both set to become free agents. The Broncos have needed a cover linebacker for years, and they will likely need to add at least one starting caliber ILB in 2025.
5. Wide receiver: Bo Nix desperately needs more weapons on offense. Too many passes were dropped in 2024 and nobody outside of Marvin Mims was a threat to make a big play on every touch.
6. Defensive line: This will become an even bigger need for Denver if D.J. Jones leaves during free agency. At the very least, the Broncos need to add more depth on the defensive line.
7. Cornerback: Riley Moss struggled down the stretch after returning from a knee injury, but he was excellent early in the season. Moss is likely to start across from Pat Surtain again in 2025, but Denver needs to improve the depth behind them.
8. Outside linebacker: Yes, OLB is on the list even after Nik Bonitto totaled 13.5 sacks in 2024. Bonitto is a great pass rusher, but he’s still not stout enough defending the run. Jonathon Cooper is probably the team’s most well-rounded edge defender, but he’s not an elite pass rusher. The Broncos can probably afford to go into 2025 with the same starters, but an outside linebacker capable of setting the edge would be a useful addition.
Denver could also add competition at center, and they will need a new punter if Riley Dixon is not re-signed during free agency (March 12). The 2025 NFL draft will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26.