Last week for Horse Tracks, I asked what position on offense the Denver Broncos need to address the most. This week, I ask the same for the team’s defense.
Good morning, Broncos Country.
Last week I had asked Broncos Country what position on offense the team needed to upgrade the most.
With over 1,500 votes cast, running back received the most votes with 731 (48%) followed by tight end at 706 votes (47%). It doesn’t get much closer than that. Rest assured, those will definitely be positions the Broncos make major upgrades to via free agency abd the 2025 NFL Draft.
For my Horse Tracks column this week, I’d like to ask you what position on defense needs to be upgraded the most?
From my perspective, Denver’s group of outside linebackers and cornerback seem the least likely to be addressed with significant resources. They already have a lot of great young players at the position and multiple players on rookie deals. However, the Broncos’ defensive line, inside linebacker, and safety positions definitely need some long-term solutions.
D.J. Jones is a free agent this offseason and every other major contributor on Denver’s defensive line has their contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season. This year’s draft has a lot of first-round talent at the position and it’s definitely in play to be a position addressed pending on how the Broncos’ board falls to them.
At inside linebacker, both Cody Barton and Justin Strnad are free agents. The team still has Alex Singleton under contract for next season as he recovers from an ACL injury from his 2024 campaign. With the departure of their linebacker’s coach, this seems like an area the Broncos could be poised to make a splash in free agency.
At safety, the Brandon Jones performed very well in his first season in the Mile High City. However, P.J. Locke’s play declined as the year went on and the team might consider finding competition for the spot opposite of Jones for next season.
For me, I’d say defensive line. Denver might not need the most immediate help there, but ensuring long-term success starts in the trenches. Given the variability of the situation there (contracts), I’d love to see them add a highly touted prospect into the mix that can play meaningful snaps right away.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Which position group needs the most infusion of talent? Sound off in the comments section and don’t forget to vote in the poll.
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
Broncos News & Tidbits
Denver Broncos All-Pro CB Pat Surtain II Open to Playing Wide Receiver
Surtain II wants to impact the game on both sides of the football.
Tee Higgins update could give Denver Broncos a chance to make major move
The Denver Broncos do need help at wide receiver, and the best free agent on the WR market this coming offseason is Tee Higgins.
Denver Broncos news: Team needs to fill 5 positions on coaching staff
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton needs to fill five positions on his coaching staff this offseason.
Mile High Morning: ILB Alex Singleton elected to Montana State Athletics Hall of Fame
Singleton is one of eight inductees in this year’s class.
Eric Edholm 2025 NFL mock draft 1.0: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders to New York! A top-five tight end?
In his first mock of the 2025 NFL Draft, Eric Edholm has the top two quarterbacks hitting the same market. Plus, one team spends a top-five pick on a tight end. Check out the full first-round projection, 1-32.
NFL News & Tidbits
Jets tab Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as offensive coordinator
Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand was hired as the New York Jets‘ offensive coordinator, the team announced Friday.
Cowboys hiring Cardinals OL coach Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator
The Cowboys are hiring Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams as their new offensive coordinator, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported.
Saints plan to meet with Eagles OC Kellen Moore again for HC job after Super Bowl LIX
The Saints plan to meet again with Kellen Moore following Super Bowl LIX — a strong indication that the Eagles offensive coordinator is the top candidate for New Orleans’ head-coaching job, The Insiders reported Friday.