KUSA – As Washington followers can attest, the Broncos cannot be fixed by Kirk Cousins alone.
Cousins put up top 10 passing stats in his previous three seasons as a full-time starter, averaging 27 touchdowns and 4,392 yards against just 12 interceptions.
Yet, Washington was a mere, 24-23-1 in those three seasons.
As Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler could attest if they were the type who spoke out publicly, the Broncos need better pieces around their quarterback.
The Broncos are also making right tackle an offseason priority with No. 3 cornerback close behind. The plan is to keep Garett Bolles at left tackle. Bolles, a first-round draft pick a year ago, started all 16 games at the blindside position in 2017.
The No. 3 cornerback has a budget between $3 million and $6 million a year to fill Bradley Roby’s role. Roby is moving up to replace starter Aqib Talib, who was traded as a salary-cap casualty Thursday to the Los Angeles Rams.
Other Broncos needs are an interior defensive lineman who can push the pocket, a No. 3 receiver, and an inside linebacker in case free-agent Todd Davis signs elsewhere.
Here’s a look at a few possibilities at those positions:
RIGHT TACKLE
Cameron Fleming, Patriots
I know Broncos fans were hoping for another New England offensive tackle – Buena Vista’s own Nate Solder. But Solder is a left tackle who will be outside the Broncos’ budget. Fleming was mostly a backup in New England but he finished strong and started at right tackle in Super Bowl LII. Doesn’t turn 26 till September.
Chris Hubbard, Steelers
Undrafted five years ago out of Alabama-Birmingham, he didn’t play much until last season, then filled in for Marcus Gilbert in 2017. Undersized as right tackles go but won’t turn 27 till next month.
Breno Giacomini, Texans
The veteran started 16 games at right tackle for Houston last season. Turns 33 in late-September.
Others: Greg Robinson, Lions; Kevin Pamphile, Bucs; Seantrel Henderson, Bills; Earl Watford, Cardinals; Byron Bell, Cowboys, Benjamin Ijalana, Jets; Austin Pasztor, Falcons.
No. 3 CORNERBACK
T.J. Carrie, Raiders
Played three seasons in Oakland for Broncos defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson. Won’t turn 28 until July. Versatile defensive back who can play outside, slot, even some safety. Not a ballhawk but a good tackler.
Nevin Lawson, Lions
Born in Kingston, Jamaica nearly 27 years ago, Lawson is a three-year starter.
Aaron Colvin, Jaguars
A quality slot corner who played behind two Pro Bowlers in A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, Colvin won’t turn 27 until October. Probably too expensive.
Tramaine Brock, Vikings
A veteran who was a two-year starter for the 49ers before becoming a backup with a strong Minnesota secondary last year. Will play at 30 this year.
Rashaan Melvin, Colts
Probably looking for a big payday after switching agents, but I included him because his defensive backs coach the past two years in Indianapolis was Greg Williams, who is now the Broncos’ assistant DB coach.
Others: Ross Cockrell, Giants; Nickell Robey-Coleman, Rams; Prince Amukamara, Bears; Patrick Robinson, Eagles.
3-4 DEFENSIVE END
Sheldon Richardson, Seahawks
Former first-round pick of the Jets doesn’t turn 28 until late-November but he hasn’t been getting to the quarterback like he used to.
Denico Autry, Raiders
A third-down guy at 6-5, 273, he came on with 5.0 sacks last season.
Adrian Clayborn, Falcons
He’ll always have Dallas. Had 6.0 sacks in one game against Cowboys backup left tackle Chaz Green; 3.5 sacks in his other 15 games. A former first-round pick who turns 30 in July.
Jared Crick, Broncos
A full-time starter in 2016, but suffered a season-ending back injury in training camp last year.
Others: Kony Ealy, Jets; Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets; Dontari Poe, Falcons; DaQuan Jones, Titans; Kony Ealy, Jets; Dominique Easley, Rams.
No. 3 RECEIVER
Danny Amendola, Patriots
The ideal slot receiver and punt returner. Highly competitive winner who strikes me as someone would rather have one catch for 8 yards in victory than 8 catches for 120 yards in defeat.
Taylor Gabriel, Falcons
Small but speedy. Averaged 33 catches and 455 yards in his four seasons in Atlanta.
Jordan Matthews, Bills
Averaged 75 catches in his first three seasons with the Eagles, but a disappointment with the Bills as he finished the season on injured reserve with a knee problem.
Donte Moncrief, Colts
Battled injuries and injury to his quarterback Andrew Luck the past two years. Had 64 catches and 6 touchdowns in his second season of 2015 and doesn’t turn 25 till August.
Eric Decker, Titans
Not what he was when he was set free following the 2013 season but still effective as post-up, red zone threat, can play the slot, loves Denver and is a terrific locker room guy. Will turn 31 on Thursday.
Others: Marquis Lee, Jaguars, Terrelle Pryor, Washington; John Brown, Cardinals; Bruce Ellington, Texans.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Demario Davis, Jets
Here’s a rarity: An inside linebacker who led the team in tackles (135) and sacks (5.0) in 2017. Will play at 29.
Corey Nelson, Broncos
Broncos hope to re-sign him as his speed is needed in pass coverage.
Others: Avery Williams, Titans; Todd Davis, Broncos.
It would make sense if the Broncos address this position within the first three rounds of the draft.
