5 bold predictions for Denver Broncos in 2020

The Broncos are ready to turn their offense over to Drew Lock in 2020. Can the young quarterback get Denver back into the playoffs?

Vic Fangio is a head coach who prides himself on defense, but his 2020 fate will depend largely on Drew Lock’s ability to orchestrate an efficient offense. The second-year signal caller only got five games of action last season, but he did lead Denver to a 4-1 record in those five starts.

That’s why there is a lot of optimism in the Mile High City heading into next season. The formula for success is pretty simple. Fangio’s defense will be expected to suffocate opponents with immense pressure and quality play in the secondary. The run game powered by Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay should keep the offense moving. Lock only needs to sprinkle in the occasional big play to keep the Broncos in the mix for a postseason berth.

It sounds great in theory, but can the Broncos really make it happen with that simple formula? The fate of the following five bold predictions should go a long way towards Denver’s success or failure in 2020.

5. A rookie will start at guard

The Broncos need to make sure Lock is throwing from a clean pocket as much as possible. A big part of that equation will be keeping pressure from getting to him up the middle. That means Denver must upgrade the interior of their offensive line.

Signing Graham Glasgow in free agency was a good start. Now the team needs to turn its attention to the right guard position in the draft. Elijah Wilkinson shouldn’t be relied on as a starter in that spot.

The Broncos don’t need to use their first round pick on a rookie to fill the void. Instead, look for Denver to address it in Round 2 or 3. No matter what, they have to come out of the draft with a new starter at that spot. Count on the front office to address the need.