It was a toss-up between Denver and Cincinnati for the final spot. Ultimately, I chose the Broncos — making them the third AFC West team on this list — because of the franchise-altering trade they made for Russell Wilson. The addition of the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback raises the level of the entire organization with his deep-passing accuracy, ability to escape pressure and make plays off-schedule. Wilson is the missing piece in an offense full of playmakers, including receiver trio Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy. However, it is worth noting that Jeudy was recently arrested on second-degree criminal tampering charges with a domestic violence enhancer. An NFL spokesperson told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that the situation is being reviewed under the league’s personal-conduct policy.
The team did address one of its biggest needs in the draft, selecting tight end Greg Dulcich, who fits well in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense as a crafty player who’ll consistently move the chains. Bringing back Melvin Gordon to pair with Javonte Williams gives the Broncos the best one-two backfield punch outside of Cleveland, and Denver added a tackle with five seasons of starting experience in Billy Turner. This has the makings of an offense that can hang with the AFC’s best.
The defense should take a step forward with a front that gains a healthy Bradley Chubb and free-agent signees D.J. Jones and Randy Gregory. Add in rookie Nik Bonitto, a pass-rushing specialist with speed of the edge, and the Broncos have a recipe for success with the infusion of pass rushers setting up a talented secondary led by safety Justin Simmons and cornerback Pat Surtain II. This unit has few holes.
