Locked On Broncos - Daily Podcast On The Denver Broncos - Denver Broncos BELIEVE Bo Nix Can LEAD This Roster To Super Bowl

Starting point is 00:00:00 Sean Payton believed that the Denver Broncos had a Super Bowl winning roster in 2025, and the team's decision not to make a move yet in free agency might signal the confidence. Now we'll look at the Broncos biggest strengths and weaknesses of their roster. You are locked on Broncos, your daily Denver Broncos podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network, your team every day. What's up, Broncos country? I'm Cody Roar, Credential Broncos reporter from Mile High Sports. joined as always by Sarah Bedinger, site expert predominantly orange.com.

Starting point is 00:00:34 And on today's brand new episode of Locked on Broncos, we'll be breaking down the Broncos biggest strengths on the offensive side of the ball, defensive side of the ball. We're also going to take a look at some of the deeper questions and weaknesses of this roster as the Broncos have stood pat during NFL free agency. And we'll tell you what,

Starting point is 00:00:51 Sean Payton might have been out of something when he was talking about the Broncos having the necessary pieces to compete for a championship. We'll break it all down on today's episode of the show. Thank you so much to the everydayers out there. And Broncos, country, for tuning in, making us your first listen, however you choose to do so. Sarah, let's talk about this, right?

Starting point is 00:01:08 NFL free agency, we already, we've gone over it a million times with the fan base. There definitely is some frustration from the fan base, but I got to thinking as well a little bit. And Sean Payton last year had so much confidence. Some people are saying he was borderline arrogant that he said that this Broncos roster could win a Super Bowl. And as we fast forward from the time he said that all the way

Starting point is 00:01:30 till now we knew the Broncos are a few plays away from going to the Super Bowl. Do you think that might be a reason the Broncos decided not to make any big splashes so far in NFL free agency? I think at the same time, we've got to take a look at the Broncos offensive side of the ball. They have quite a few strong pieces on the side of the ball. They do. I mean, this is one of the strongest rosters in the NFL. So nobody should mistake any frustration that's been expressed here in the offseason, the free agency strategy as, you know, hey, we don't really like.

Starting point is 00:02:00 this roster or we think the Broncos are so weak in a number of different areas. We want the team to add impact players because it is a Super Bowl caliber roster. And the reason why it's a Super Bowl caliber roster, Cody, it starts with QB1. It starts with Bo Nix and he is that guy. The Broncos, I mean, any team in the NFL really is nothing without a quarterback, right? We know this and some teams can overcome like the 2015 Broncos. you have maybe the best defense of all time, you can overcome the quarterback position or injury at the position or both,

Starting point is 00:02:36 you know, in the case of that particular team. But most NFL teams cannot overcome not having a franchise quarterback. And the Denver Broncos have one. I know that Bonnix has been a hotly contested player for the majority of his NFL career, if not the entirety of his NFL career, until he broke his ankle in the playoffs. And now all of a sudden, everybody appreciates. him so much more. It's kind of funny how that works, Cody. Just the hypothetical. But Bo Nix,

Starting point is 00:03:04 I think, really leads out when you talk about this roster being strong. The quarterback position is very good overall with the Broncos having Bo, Jared Stidham, Sam Ellinger. But man, with him at the top of the depth chart, you feel really good about this team's chances to win a Super Bowl. And I think the Broncos are sending that message as strong as you possibly can by running it back with almost the entire team from last season. Yeah, the offense is very much intact. But here's the thing where it's also another strength for this Broncos offense and this roster.

Starting point is 00:03:37 Bo Nix is going to have the same exact starting offensive line for his third consecutive season. You know how hard that is in today's NFL. I mean, even look at some of the teams that have done a great job of building their offensive lines, some of them have spent too much maybe at two or three positions and then they have to lose a couple of guys. I mean, the Kent City Chiefs used to have really good tackles. They had to, they released some of the.

Starting point is 00:03:57 after they lost in the Super Bowl in a blowout fashion. They've added some good pieces. They traded away arguably one of the best interior offensive linemen and Joe Tooney after they lost it in the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles. That was because they couldn't afford it anymore. The Broncos, they have found a way to retain every piece of their offensive line so far and you're maintaining that continuity coming to Bow's third season. I think that's big.

Starting point is 00:04:19 And I think it is fair, sir. I think for fans, I think it is up for debate to say, like, without Bo Nix, is the Broncos offensive line as good as the team? believes. I think Bo's skill set marries really well with this unit, whereas in the AFC championship game, we saw a little bit of a different story when Jared Stidham was in there. So I wonder how much of it is, hey, Bo's skill set just does a really great job of offsetting, maybe some deficiencies, his off-schedule ability is there, but also his quick decision. Like, he doesn't make bad decisions most of the time. He doesn't put the ball into harm's way.

Starting point is 00:04:51 That's where I think that this strength is. I think maybe that's why Sean Peyton and George Peyton have some confidence at least in your starting five in your QB, six of your main 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball. You have the utmost confidence in, but let's talk about wide receiver. Cortland Sutton is, in my opinion, a major strength to this roster, right? And he's seeing a lot of attention. Is it fair to also maybe say that, hey, like maybe Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims could get into this conversation as well, considering the rises that we have seen from them over the last two years. I think so. And I think that it speaks volumes to the way this team has approached the past couple of years at the wide receiver position that they've really

Starting point is 00:05:33 set a or drawn a proverbial line in the sand, right? When it comes to their rumored interest in Stefan Diggs or Jalen Waddle or anybody else, I mean, you can go back to the Alan Lazard rumors even in 2023. Like they've drawn the proverbial line in the sand because of the talent that they have at this position, which is undeniable. They do have talent at wide receiver. There's no question about it. The fact that the Broncos were able to get a fourth round pick last year and then some for Devon Valle is really indicative of the fact that, hey, they were talent rich

Starting point is 00:06:05 at the wide receiver position. But Sean Payton clearly didn't feel like they had the right person in charge of getting the most out of that talent when it comes to the wide receiver coach. And he's talking about, hey, this is how you properly catch a ball after the season is over, right? So kind of the writing was on the wall there, but I don't think anybody's ever questioned the talent of Sutton and Mims and Franklin and now Pat Bryant. Like those guys, they can play. And when they're when they've been at their best, I mean, shoot, they've, they can pick over games in some ways, don't they?

Starting point is 00:06:36 I mean, when Cortland Sutton is on one, I mean, you can't stop the guy. And Marvin Mims, like one of the most clutch receivers in the NFL despite a low volume of targets. So it's justifiable that they're trying to invest in that talent. And I like that group. I think that they may be missing one piece, but I don't think that means it's not a strong suit of this roster. I think that they have the talent to make defenses pay for single covering any one of those guys. I think we saw some really good examples.

Starting point is 00:07:07 I'll go back to the Bengals game. Monday night football, go back at the Cowboys game week seven, where I felt like everybody was contributing in this wide receiver group. I think in that Cincinnati game, what is it? Pat Bryant is blocking his tail off. And it springs Marvin Mims up the sideline for, you know, and end-round touchdown.

Starting point is 00:07:24 Troy Franklin's catching passes there. Pat Bryant throughout the season's coming up big and some third-down moments. I'll never forget that clutch third-down catch. They had on third and 11 against the Houston Texans on the road. And then Cortland Sutton, anytime you need a big play, all of a sudden, he's making it. Troy Franklin showcasing some clutchness and having a really great year. This wide receiver room, Sarah, has the pieces.

Starting point is 00:07:45 is to be very good. And I think that's why the Broncos are committed to it. I think another piece would certainly help. But maybe the process changes with Davis Webb as the play caller. But I look at the Broncos offense here and the players that we talked about and the units. We've got one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. Oh, you've got five offensive linemen. You've got three wide receivers.

Starting point is 00:08:05 You got about nine players on offense that you feel like, hey, you know what? We feel very good about these guys. I think there's probably some more you can sprinkle in. There's some evident questions in which we'll get to here. on today's episode of the show. But the Broncos offense is in a really good place with the offensive line where they're at right now in terms of what that unit looks like. Bo Nix on his rookie deal and continuing to ascend where he's now fully healthy.

Starting point is 00:08:29 He's getting ready to start resuming his training for this upcoming season, as normally would be scheduled if he wasn't even hurt. So that's obviously a good sign. The Broncos right now, even though there has been no movement free agency, and that's been frustrating to fans, they're actually in a good spot right now when you factor in the belief that Sean Peyton and George have in this roster, which I can respect. And it doesn't matter what level of football you play at these days.

Starting point is 00:08:55 The fact that these guys are going to be teammates for the majority of them, for three, if not four, going on four straight years now for some of them. Cody, I mean, that doesn't happen at any level of football. So, like, I can hate on the free agency strategy all I want, and anybody else out there can hate on it all they want. And the reality is, is that we've, we're in a portion. Like we're Chris Columbus and we're writing the map. Like we're writing the map for future generate.

Starting point is 00:09:24 We don't know. Like what nobody knows what this looks like. Nobody knows how beneficial it can truly be because you don't see this level of continuity in pro sports and how important is chemistry between a quarterback and a receiver. It's not all just about scheme. It's about timing. It's about those nonverbal communications. And I'm fascinated to see.

Starting point is 00:09:45 You know, one of the players I feel as a core player for this Broncos team is Marvin Mims. And I think that he's entering obviously a very pivotal year, contract year. Do the Broncos work to get him more involved offensively by pulling him off of kickoff returns or at least getting somebody else that, hey, go back there and return kicks. So Marvin doesn't have to because we want him playing more offense. That was something I threw out there. And we'll talk about this later of my mock draft predictions. but I really think that Marvin Mims development this year,

Starting point is 00:10:17 it's regardless that the Broncos make a big blockbuster trade at wide receiver. I think if Marvin can step up and become a more full-time player and get a healthy amount of targets, he can emerge as that next big contract player on offense for the Denver Broncos. I agree with you completely. And I've got some bonus episodes coming up for Broncos countries, well about Denver's draft and developed strategy, how it actually has paid off since 2020.

Starting point is 00:10:41 There are so much exciting things coming up here. But Broncos country, let us know your thoughts on the Broncos offense. How would you actually rate Denver's offense when you look at every major position? How would it stack up in your opinion coming up next year and I are going to break down the Broncos defense and why they have a ton of talent that could also shape the roster and further and for Sean Payton's belief in running it back? Today's episode of the show was brought to you by our friends over there at Indeed. If you're dealing with workplace chaos, deadline stacking up and the inbox is overflowing in the one position that you have to feel is still. sitting open when the pressure is on and you need the right hire.

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Starting point is 00:12:02 Indy.com slash podcast terms and conditions apply need to hire. This is a job for Indeed, sponsored jobs. The Denver Broncos are absolutely loaded on the defensive side of the ball. And it's not just on the defensive line. It's not just off the edge. It's at every single level of the defense. We're going to break down the Broncos biggest strengths on their roster right now defensively. Despite the fact that many fans out there disappointed with free agency,

Starting point is 00:12:30 there's not really much to be disappointed about when it comes to the roster of a Broncos country. We appreciate every single one of you out there who make us part of you. your day every single day. And for all you everyday listeners, if you're already listening every day, we want to invite you, join the Every Dayer Club right now. You can use the code March and get your first month free. So right now is a great time. And if you sign up before the NCAA tournament tips off on Thursday, you can actually compete against us in our men's and women's bracket pools on Discord. So really fun stuff going on there. Again, use the code March here, first month free. The winner of that March Madness pool, get a $100 gift card for locked on merch. So

Starting point is 00:13:08 It's not a bad deal, Cody, and a great time to sign up. So anybody out there interested, check out the link in the show notes. Go to Lockdownbroncos.com. Let's talk about the roster strengths defensively. I get excited when I look at this list because I see guys who have been acquired in just about every way, shape, and form, Cody. When you talk about undrafted players, first round picks, you know, draft steals, guys who came out of absolutely nowhere. I mean, the Broncos are loaded defensively. There's no question about it.

Starting point is 00:13:42 And I would say right behind Bo Nix, this defense is the biggest. And I know some would argue it's bigger than Bo Nix, but I think maybe right hand in hand. They're running on the beach like Rocky and Creed. You know, these two are hand in hand. The Broncos defense is elite from top to bottom. It's just as important, in my opinion, is what Bo Nix brings to the table. And Denver's defense for the most part in the AFC championship, They did their job against Jared Steadham and the Patriots.

Starting point is 00:14:11 Unfortunately, the Broncos offense couldn't help them out in that situation as they had to deal with a snowy day without bow to take them all the way here. But I think first off, let's talk about the roster strengths here, position by position. Let's start off with cornerback. I mean, it's hard, I think, in today's NFL to have three really good corners. And I think Denver has more than just three. But I think the top three, obviously, Patrick Sertan, the second defensive player of the year. You got Riley Moss who played well enough that he, earned an extra million dollars in incentives based on his performance through the CBA and then

Starting point is 00:14:43 Jayquan Macmillan who signed his RFA tender and is in line for a contract extension. I mean, this is such an important unit here for Denver. And you can argue that these, this three, this trio is arguably the best cornerback trio in the league. I would 100% say that it is, Cody. I just think that we, I know Riley Moss takes his lumps and he certainly gets memed plenty on social media. But shoot, I think the guy had like 70.

Starting point is 00:15:08 past breakups this past season. He gets targeted a lot. And, you know, selfishly, I'd love to see more interceptions, right? I think we'd all love to see even more plays on the ball. But I think Riley also got a bad rap last season early enough in the year that, hey, he was kind of being targeted. And all coaches and players go up to the officials before games. And they're like, hey, watch out for 21.

Starting point is 00:15:32 He's grabby. Like, we know that kind of stuff is going on. And so Riley was put in a position. where, I mean, the Broncos base guy to put it out there that he's practicing in boxing gloves, you know, in order to essentially just like, hey, leave this guy alone. Like he's playing this technique. And so I think that it's such a tough deal because now he's entering a contract year. And a lot of the perception about Riley is that, well, he's not a core player. He could be replaced by Jada Baron, who's a first round pick. But shoot, I mean, the last time we talked about somebody

Starting point is 00:16:04 getting replaced by Jada Baron, he became a core player, according to his. to George Payton, right? That was Jayquan Macmillan. So I could see the same thing happening for Riley Moss. And look, you mentioned it. A lot of passes defense. 19 to be exact. 19. Can't remember. I feel like that's the most in franchise history by a corner. I'll have to double check that. Let me look. If someone in the comment section knows it down below, let us know here on today's show. Let's go to safety here. I like the duo of Talenoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. When these guys are on the field together, Sarah, as I'm going through, this is my time of I'm going back on the All-22.

Starting point is 00:16:38 I'm diving deeper. I'm watching games. I'm watching specific positions. I'm watching as you get to like past week three, you start to see Taleno Hu Fonga, Brandon Jones, really start to pick up Bench Joseph's scheme together to where they don't even have to say anything to each other. They can give each other a hand signal.

Starting point is 00:16:55 They can coordinate as the play is going. These guys played really well in sync together as a safety duel. I like where Denver's at with these two guys as well. And I think we have to look at another position. outside linebacker might be the deepest position group on this roster. And none of these guys that they have behind Jonathan Cooper and Nick Benito, none of them are slouches either. No, I mean, they say that you can't have too many pass rushers.

Starting point is 00:17:21 And so I guess the Broncos are kind of putting that to the test, right? Because they might have too many. I mean, when Q Robinson, who as well as we saw him play in the playoffs, Cody, the sack that he had on Drake May in the AFC championship game, the explosiveness that he showed when he got his opportunities, even though they were few last season. I mean, this guy's inactive for a lot of games. And so is it possible to have too many pass rushers? I mean, the Broncos are proving that you might have a case against that theory, I guess. But certainly when you look at this roster, Nick Benito, Jonathan Cooper at the top,

Starting point is 00:17:56 elite duo off the edge. I mean, 22 and a half sacks, I believe, last season. And then you have Jonah Ellis and Dandre Tillman, who, I mean, it doesn't really. get better than that. You could legitimately rely on those guys to start for you if you needed to, and they would do a great job. And I think that they will, if they're given that opportunity, Hugh Robinson, as quality depth as you'll find. And what's crazy is that three of those guys, they all play special teams. So they're not just elite off the edge, but they contribute to the team in other ways. Well, and I'll tell you this, as I got that draft and develop bonus episode coming out later, that's exactly what we highlight. A lot of these guys that we've named, Denver has

Starting point is 00:18:35 drafted outside of a few, some of them are undrafted. A lot of these guys, Denver has either signed in free agency or they have drafted themselves and have gotten to second contracts with the team. That right there is impressive in and themselves. And I'd say for the defensive line, the loss of JFM, Sarah, I'm going to continue to stand on this hill is going to be big for them. It's a huge question mark at least right now as we're sitting here and talking about it. But they have three defensive linemen that are absolute machines for them.

Starting point is 00:19:03 Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Malcolm Roach. They have three very, very strong players at this position as well, which kind of rounds out. The Broncos, their defense is loaded with talent, and these guys in the trenches, they make the most happen. They do. Those guys are, they rotate. They do everything so well.

Starting point is 00:19:22 I mean, you don't hear a ton about DJ Jones as a pass rusher, but I mean, he's opening things up for other guys, right? And Zach Allen, obviously, is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. I wish I could, I need to burn into my memory, sear it into my brain the number of quarterback hits that he had over a certain period of time where he's in that rare company of like two or three other guys. J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald.

Starting point is 00:19:49 I mean, if you're getting mentioned with J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald in pretty much any category, you're doing something right. No, I mean, Cody, there's more defensive linemen if they're not already. should wear number 99, apparently, because that's the common thread between all three of those guys. 40 quarterback hits in 2024, 47 quarterback hits in 2025, according to our friends over there at pro football reference. But also pressures, 47 pressures last season, 50 pressures in 2025. Unbelievable. You love that.

Starting point is 00:20:21 That's what he was brought to Denver to do, and that's what he's paid big money to do. I mean, like you said, some of these guys get into second, third contracts. Zach Allen got his big money contract after his time with the Cardinals in Denver and got another big money contract because he already played so well after the first two years. So he is that guy. I mean, Zach Allen's got to be that next jersey guy, right? I mean, for the fan base out there, you're looking, hey, who do I get a jersey? Zach Allen, he's got to be the next one.

Starting point is 00:20:51 I remember the moment Zach Allen was initially signed. A lot of people in Broncos country were like, I don't know why the Broncos signed this guy. He only played 13 games last season. Just goes to show, like, if you believe a guy can fit into your system and you know everything like, hey, this guy is actually going to thrive here. That's why you go out and you do it. And the Broncos, they've proved that. They signed him, free agency, they gave him an extension.

Starting point is 00:21:12 They doubled down on their investment. And man, has it paid off here? Broncos country, let's know your thoughts here on the Broncos defense, the strengths of almost every position group that you have. Denver's got a player in almost every single group here. But they also have questions, folks. And that's going to be at the linebacker, running back. and tight-end positions specifically with depth.

Starting point is 00:21:31 We'll break it all down here on today's episode of the show. Today's episode, the show, was brought to you by friends over there at Robin Hood. What if sports were traded like markets? Now you can put your sports IQ to work in real time with Robin Hood prediction markets. It's not you against the house. It's you participating in a live market. You can buy or sell your positions live all game long. Use your sports knowledge in the moments that matter.

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Starting point is 00:22:36 Now, this one I felt like I could have teetered on it being maybe something that with J.K. Dobbins, healthy. It's something that maybe could be a good asset to them. I think so much is contingent upon that. But I think the running back position to start definitely has some question marks. And maybe the biggest one is can RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins, can these two guys become an elite tandem if both of them can stay healthy? And the Broncos run scheme actually opens things up for them.

Starting point is 00:23:02 To me, that is a huge question for this position specifically. It is. And I think that there's a big difference between do you have good running backs or do you have a run game that you can truly lean on, that you can truly depend on? Because what we saw last year where the Broncos ranked first in the NFL in past attempts and 19th in the NFL in rushing attempts, What we saw is that they did not have a running game that they could really lean on.

Starting point is 00:23:27 And that was true. You and I did episodes of the show, even when J.K. Dobbins was healthy. I mean, I think we all kind of got the impression that the running game was something that it was kind of nice to have in your back pocket when J.K. was healthy and he ran well when he was healthy. But it wasn't a focal point of this offensive scheme. And we hope that's something that changes this year. but I don't think it's dependent upon the running backs. I think the Broncos have, I mean, J.K. Dobbins, very talented.

Starting point is 00:23:57 RJ Harvey, second round pick, very talented. And then you even have guys like Tyler Badegh and Jilliel McLaughlin who have played well for you when the run scheme is going well. So I think that you have talent at running back. I still think the Broncos need to upgrade there. It's a question mark because of two factors in my opinion. Number one, don't like the depth or don't love the depth. And number two, J.K. Dobbins,

Starting point is 00:24:20 health and longevity. There really isn't any clarity in that regard right now. So I think running back is a big question mark for those two particular reasons. I think that's very fair. And I think that's valid. I'm sure Broncos country will agree with you on that. Let's go to tight end here. Really, for me, the biggest question at tight end is,

Starting point is 00:24:39 will the Broncos finally utilize Evan Ingram the way that they sold him? And I'm questionable about their depth over. Look, they re-signed Adam Trotman on a three-year deal. yes, he's a good blocker. Is he the best blocking tight end in the NFL? I don't think that's necessarily. He's good. Is he the best out there? I mean, he believes that. I respectfully disagree. I think there's areas he can certainly improve in that. But the depth in terms of like, hey, if Evan Ingraham is not in this offensive lineup, you have nobody who could be an effective past catcher for you. To me, that is the biggest question about tight end. And that's why I think that a lot of people are frustrated about

Starting point is 00:25:16 the free agency approach. Yeah, absolutely, because there's names of in free agency that are signing with other teams that you feel like could have really helped the Denver Broncos continue to progress in getting the tight ends involved in the past game. And maybe it is just a matter of getting Evan Ingram involved. But let's say Evan goes out there and has a big year this year. I mean, he's a free agent after this season. So is he going to want to come back to Denver? What if Davis Webb leaves?

Starting point is 00:25:44 Would Evan just kind of say, you know what? I'm out of here. the Broncos are one injury away as well from being in really desperate position at this position. I mean, we saw it last year, and it wasn't just one injury. Lucas Krull went on injured reserve. Nate Adkins missed a bunch of the season. And so you had those injury issues popping up forcing you to sign Mercedes-Lewis out of basically retirement, right? I mean, he's 40-something years old.

Starting point is 00:26:09 So you have to draft, I think, multiple guys. And that's what I had that in my mock draft, Cody. I had the Broncos doubling up a tight end. I'd love to see it not because I don't like Lucas Crowell and Nate Adkins and those guys. I think that they bring some value. I think you need to upgrade your talent overall and look with one eye towards 2027 when Evan Ingram could leave. I'm trying to remember where he ended up. Caden Prescorn would have been a nice little security blanket investment, like on your practice squad,

Starting point is 00:26:40 because I felt like he could actually have been called up. The Broncos didn't call up Caleb Loner. they gave him a game day active promotion where he could get a little bit of a paycheck bonus for what he was doing on the practice squad. I think he signed initially with Denver. He was waived, signed on with the Buccaneers, and then he was signed to the Brown's practice squad, and he signed a future reserve contract to him.

Starting point is 00:27:01 So now he's in Cleveland, unfortunately. But maybe David Nizoku can find his way over to the Mile High City. We'll have to see how that plays out. Linebacker, you know me. I'm on board with Alex Singleton returning. I think he's a good player, right? Could the Broncos, could they have upgraded? Yes, they could have.

Starting point is 00:27:18 I'm so glad they brought back Justin Sternat. I think I've been on the fence of saying, hey, he should have been a starter all season long, and he should be a starter going forward. He's going to get that opportunity. To me, the depth at this position is very worrisome to me, considering all the circumstances. Yeah, there really is no depth,

Starting point is 00:27:35 at least not in terms of proven depth at the linebacker position. And even if you draft somebody, there's not proven depth, but at least you would have a more talented, option than I know a handful of undrafted guys out there. And with all due respect to those guys, you know, they are undrafted players. They are developmental prospects. Drew Sanders is a complete unknown entering his fourth NFL season, which feels even weird to say, Cody, because he, I mean, it doesn't feel like he's really been out there

Starting point is 00:28:02 at all. So, I mean, to say this is his fourth year in the NFL, big, big year for him to stay healthy, but very much a wild card regardless. So I think the Broncos still need to add a vet. for some insurance because what happens if singleton or sir nade goes down who's going to play so you need a veteran for insurance but i think you also need a talent upgrade in this year's draft probably two guys because you got nine picks you can invest in that position a little bit i would i would spend two picks maybe you know you have what a first a second third two fourths and a fifth

Starting point is 00:28:34 between rounds two and five i'd spend two of those remaining picks there is you know in that top premium package for a linebacker 100%. The end. The only reason I mention this is Zach Allen, we know, is a machine. DJ Jones does not play defensive end. Malcolm Roach does not play defensive end, folks. So it's not that DJ or Malcolm are going to replace JFM.

Starting point is 00:28:58 That's simply not the case in the scheme. I'm very concerned about the depth behind Zach Allen. We know what Zach is going to bring to the table is on the field. There's going to be times where he needs to be off the field. He needs to get a breather. And losing JFM is a. big, big loss because there are times where, hey, Zach Allen's off the field, JFM's in, Enjoma's in,

Starting point is 00:29:17 and at least you knew what you were getting with JFM, right? You were still getting an impact player right now. It's Savian Jones who, I mean, hasn't played much entering his second season, and now all of a sudden the expectation is he's going to make this massively. We don't know exactly what Savian Jones is going to bring to the table just yet. So it's wild to think that he's just going to replace him. Right, it is. And that's why I think you and I have talked about,

Starting point is 00:29:41 we really like the idea of Cam Jordan coming to the Denver Broncos. If the Broncos are at all interested in signing any outside free agents. I mean, we're trying to throw you a bone here, Sean Payton. Like, this is a guy you drafted in 2011. So, hey, we'll give you this one. Yeah, we'll give you this one. This is some free two cents right here. Our two cents is free on Locked on Broncos today.

Starting point is 00:30:03 And I like that idea because I think you can put faith in somebody like Sabian Jones while also giving him like give him another awesome mentor. Like let Zach Allen mentor him, but also give him Cam Jordan who like he can teach any of these guys what it takes to have longevity in the NFL, what it takes to be an elite pro. But you're taking a leap of faith in a young player that I don't think a lot of fans remember this, Cody.

Starting point is 00:30:30 Sabion Jones, they traded up to get him. They were not, they had no picks left on day two in last year's draft. And they moved up to go ahead and get him. him. So clearly the scouting department likes him, George Payton, the coaching staff. I mean, it's not the biggest deal because he was a late third round pick. So it's not much, you know, not much of an issue if it doesn't work out.

Starting point is 00:30:52 But you still, I mean, when you trade up to get somebody, that means something. The Broncos traded up for Luke Wattenberg, second contract player. They traded up to get Riley Moss. Could be a second contract player. Traded up to get Marvin Mims. Could be a second contract player. So it does mean something when this team moves up to get a prospect. I agree with you 100%.

Starting point is 00:31:13 And I think we're at a very interesting point of the offseason here for Denver, especially with the NFL draft coming up. Yes, there could still be some late wave signings. I mean, Broncos country, they could even sign somebody on the last day of mandatory minicamp the way they did with J.K. Dobbins, right? Everything is on the table right here. And I do think overall the arguments that we've made, right?

Starting point is 00:31:31 We've analyzed the Broncos biggest strengths on the offense and defensive side of the ball. I think that you can make the argument. They have a really good offense. They have a lot of good players at a lot of the most important positions, including quarterback, defense is loaded with talented guys? So it's like, how far off is this Broncos roster right now from being able to win a Super Bowl? Yes, other teams around them have gotten better this off season.

Starting point is 00:31:53 Does that mean that the Broncos still can't do it? I think it's a valid question to throw out. Broncos, let us know your thoughts, what your biggest questions are here for the Broncos, whether you agreed with us, whether you disagree with us, let's know here on today's episode of the show. Sarah and I will be back. tomorrow for a brand new episode, Lockdown Broncos. Stay locked in Broncos country. We'll see you then.

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