2018 NFL Draft: Biggest need for each team

Denver Broncos: Cornerback

After shipping off Aqib Talib to the Los Angeles Rams, the Denver Broncos should be in the market for a new top-flight cornerback in the 2018 Draft to pair with Chris Harris, Jr.

Up until the signing of Case Keenum in free agency, the quarterback position was a glaring need for Denver after a disastrous 2017 season. While they still may be in the market to take a quarterback early (to develop behind Keenum), the team may instead shift its focus to the defensive backfield to make up for the loss of Talib.

The Broncos defense was stellar against the run in 2017, but only in the middle of the pack when it came to pass defense. Though the loss of Talib will hurt in the short-term, John Elway and his staff were more concerned with the financial flexibility that Talib’s departure gave them. Thankfully for Denver, this draft offers a number of long, athletic cornerback prospects who could be able to start from day one of their NFL careers. Iowa’s Josh Jackson, Auburn’s Carlton Davis, and Colorado’s Isaiah Oliver all figure to be on the radar of the Broncos’ front office as potential Talib replacements.

Having the fifth overall selection in the first round could pay huge dividends for Denver, especially with the number of teams looking to trade up for quarterbacks. Teams like Buffalo and Arizona could both be viable trade partners as the Broncos look to capitalize on the high prices that teams are currently paying to move up in the draft. Perhaps a player that they love is still available at five (maybe even Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson), but the Broncos will have plenty of options and at the moment, seem to be happy with Keenum as their quarterback in the short-term.

Bradley Roby will be a free agent after next season, and Chris Harris, Jr. the year after, so look for the Broncos to build depth at cornerback in an effort to rebound from a disappointing 2017 season.