What Happened in 2020
The Broncos finished the 2020 season with a 5-11 record, cementing their fourth straight losing season. Injuries plagued the teams entire campaign, as they led the league in percentage of payroll on injured reserve. Not only did Denver lose star players like Von Miller and Courtland Sutton for most of the season, they had to deal with maybe the toughest COVID-19 related situation of all the teams. Things got so bad they had to play a game without an actual quarterback on the active roster. Even without COVID, the team again struggled at the quarterback position with poor play and way to many turnovers. The season wasn't all bad news though, as the team did see the breakout of a few young players. Undrafted rookie Essang Bassey and 3rd round pick Michael Ojemudia shined on defense at times, and WR Jerry Jeudy looks like the real deal.
Team Needs
1. Quarterback
Drew Lock showed countless times this season that he is not the answer and quarterback and the Broncos need to look elsewhere. The Broncos have struggled for so long to find a quarterback, and when you look around the division now, they better find a quarterback fast or they won't have a chance.
2. Cornerback
It seems like every single secondary player the Broncos have is coming off of offseason surgery next year. They do have a few promising prospects, but you never know how the players will return after injury.
3. Offensive line depth/Guard
Aside from Bolles at tackle and Cushenbarry at center, the offensive line in Denver needs a lot of work. no matter who they bring in to play quarterback, they wont be successful if they cant protect the pocket.
Top 5 Free Agent Targets
1.LB Von Miller
2.CB Patrick Peterson
3.CB William Jackson III
4.G John Miller
5.QB Andy Dalton
The Future
If I am a fan of the Denver Broncos I don't seem too optimistic about the future of my team. The main reason again comes at the quarterback position. When I look around and my division has probably the best QB in the league, Patrick Mahomas, and the offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert in it, it doesn't make you feel confident. I also don't know about the future of head coach Vic Fangio. Too many times this season Fangio looked lost especially in late game situations. I think this team needs another year or two to fill out the roster with young talent and try to make a move to land a quarterback that can compete in a division that may have two of the best teams in the AFC for the next decade.
2021 Prediction
5-11 4th in the AFC West