2008 Denver Broncos NFL Draft Needs

Get ready for the upcoming season with our 2008 Denver Broncos Predictions & Preview!

The Broncos are coming off a disappointing season, winning just seven games in a year when many experts had them winning 10 and advancing to the playoffs. Denver has drafted well the past two years, but the 2003-05 drafts were disastrous and it appears these three years of missed opportunity are biting the Broncos in the butt right now. The 2008 Denver Broncos NFL Draft needs will give you an inside look at their first move on draft day.

#1 Defensive Tackle

Denver has been searching for a solid front four, only to fail miserably at every turn. With the 12th overall pick, the Broncos may be able to land USC's Sedrick Ellis, who could step right in and play nose tackle. Expect Denver to make a trade to bolster the middle of its D-line also.

#2 Outside Linebacker

Denver will make its draft choice here according to what it decides to do with the talented D.J. Williams. Williams led the AFC in tackles in his first year manning the middle, but he may be better on the weak side. Denver could draft USC's Keith Rivers as a weakside option or they could go with Penn State's Dan Connor who looks to be the best overall linebacker in the draft.

#3 Safety

The Broncos need a day one safety to add additional speed and range to the secondary. Miami's Kenny Phillips, LSU's Craig Steltz or Bama's Simeon Castille are the best options.

#4 Offensive Tackle

Last year's third round choice, Ryan Harris, is the favorite to start at left tackle this season after spending time of special teams in 2007. Right tackle Erik Pears does not have the stuff of a long term guy so that is who the Broncos could be looking to replace here. They'll look for a prospect to build around in the near future who can serve as a backup for now.

#5 Wide Receiver

Brandon Marshall came into his own last season and emerged as a star and Brandon Stokley is about as good as they get out of the slot. If Javon Walker returns healthy after his knee injury, the Broncos have a receiving trio to be reckoned with. But Walker has already gone public with his feelings about how he fits into the Broncos scheme. If Denver decides to cut this bad egg, it would be nice to have another quality receiver just in case.

#6 Running Back

Making a move for Travis Henry looked to be a great play until he went down with a knee injury and endured off the field problems. Selvin Young and Andre Hall are great scat backs with break away speed, but the Broncos could stand to get a punishing runner for short yardage and goal line spots.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 28th, 2008