Three biggest concerns for Denver Broncos before the draft

After a 5-12 season and missing the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year, the Denver Broncos plunged deeper into the NFL's abyss. Despite some decent signings in free agency, they still face several issues. Here are Denver's three biggest concerns heading into the draft.  

1. How do they acquire more draft capital? 

Trades for QB Russell Wilson and HC Sean Payton torpedoed Denver's 2023 draft plans. Over the past two offseasons, the Broncos dealt seven draft picks, including three first-rounders, to acquire the HC and QB. Consequently, they have no first- or second-rounder this year. 

The Broncos' attempts to move back into the first round failed. David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reported the Cowboys looked into WR Jerry Jeudy but decided the asking price was too high and traded for Brandin Cooks instead.

It's not clear what Denver can trade to acquire more picks. On Sunday, Payton told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, "we're not trading" Jeudy or former Pro Bowl WR Courtland Sutton. Aside from the wideouts, one of the few attractive trade options is safety Justin Simmons, but he's a Second-Team All-Pro, so losing him would be costly.

2. Adding another RB 

Starting RB Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear in Week 4 last season and there are reportedly a wide range of outcomes on the table for his 2023 season. Per NBC Sports' Matthew Berry, Williams could be healthy to start the season, miss multiple games or even miss the entire season. If Williams returns, regaining elusiveness could take time, given the severity of the injury.

Denver's RB room lacks another playmaker. It signed RB Samaje Perine but has not re-signed Latavius Murray, the team's leading rusher last season (703 yards in 12 games). Therefore, it should consider drafting an RB who can become a difference-maker. 

Despite limited picks, the Broncos can find a talented RB in the mid-late rounds. Texas A&M's Devon Achane -- who ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds) at the NFL Scouting Combine -- is a projected fourth-rounder, per the Draft Network. Tulane's Tyjae Spears rushed for the fifth-most yards in the FBS last season (1,581 yards in 14 games.) He's a projected third-rounder, via the Draft Network.

3. Rejuvenating the pass-rush 

Denver lost both of its sack leaders. During the trade deadline last season, it traded Pro Bowl LB Bradley Chubb, who had 5.5 sacks in eight games, to Miami. DE Dre'Mont Jones, who had 6.5 sacks in 13 games, signed a three-year deal with Seattle.

Outside of Chubb and Jones, Denver's pass rush was ineffective. It had 36 sacks last season, tied for 23rd in the league.

In the draft, Denver should target Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Anudike-Uzomah won Big 12 Defensive Player of The Year in 2022, recording 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 14 games. Also, he's within Denver's range. According to the Draft Network, he's a projected third-rounder.