Denver/Buffalo Playoff Game

The game was a microcosm of the Broncos season and made many things clear. 1) Sean Payton and his coaching staff (predictable) are flawed in game planning and in in game adjustments. 2) The offensive line is good (#2 PFF), but they are limited in their blocking scheme. 3) Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton need playmakers to help move the team forward. 4) Denver has no NFL type #1 running back. 5) They need a real tough tight end with good hands. 6) The defense is weak up the middle. 7) Denver too often failed to control the tempo of the game. 8) Too many penalties because of their player's lack of discipline and poor execution.

The Denver Broncos have a lot of money and 6 draft picks (rounds 1-4 and three in the sixth) to improve the team in 2025. They officially will pick No. 20 overall. Denver has a core that should be together for 2025: QB Bo Nix, CB Pat Surtain, OLB Nic Bonitto, DL Zack Allen, OLB Jonathon Cooper and the entire offensive line. IMO, the biggest areas of concern for 2025 are an improved running game, finding a productive tight end and upgrading the middle linebacker position. Denver hasn't determined what their approach to free agency, but they have enough cap space to be aggressive and enough filled roster spots to be careful. Fortunately, they also have a full complement of day one and day two draft pick to continue their "draft and develop" emphasis. But, first and foremost, they have to take care of their own players (OLB Nic Bonitto, DL Zack Allen and maybe WR Courtland Sutton). To make the most of the 2025 offseason, Denver will need a few in-house players to step into starting roles next season. Denver will spend time and money to upgrade their roster beyond the major areas of concern where they may need to double dip: safety, wide receiver, defensive line, backup quarterback, cornerback, and punter.

The Broncos are projected to have about $63.4 million in cap space, based on a projected cap of $272.5M, but their space will decrease as they add 15 players to reach the 51 players to get the top 51 cutoff to kick in. $6-8M will go to future contracts, depending on how many players are signed. ERFAs will likely take another $4.5M. The last step will be signing their own players with expiring contracts. All players signed before free agency will count against the cap, with their contracts determining what will be available for draftees and free agents. The Broncos will not be in bad shape cap wise, but they may not be big spenders if they prioritize their own players first. The Broncos are in a better cap position than they were in 2024, will be able to be aggressive if there are free agents they can't live without.

RB Najee Harris may be the only consistent veteran running back worth a look for the Broncos with Aaron Jones unlikely to reach free agency. TE Juwan Johnson could be the best difference maker available and there is the NO connection. ILB Dre' Greenlaw has the range Denver needs in the middle of their defense. He needs to stay healthy. S Jevon Howard is a top tier talent when healthy and a former teammate of Brandon Jones. WR Chris Goodwin (injury) could be a short term go to threat in the short passing game who can create in space. "When healthy" is typically why players hit free agency. Its buyer beware and don't over pay. George Paton has done well with free agents and the Penner group is dedicated to keeping their plays healthy and on the field. Denver needs immediate help at running back, tight end and middle linebacker where the pickings look slim.

Running Backs: Ashton Jeanty (Rd.1), Cam Skattebo, TreVeyon Henderson, Omarion Hampton, Devin Neal (Rd2-5), Kaleb Johnson, Ollie Gordon II, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Tahj Brooks Tight ends: Harold Fannin Jr, Tyler Warren (rd1-2), Gunnar Helm, Colston Loveland, Oronde Gadsden ll, Luke Lachey (day2/3), Terrance Ferguson Inside Linebackers: Jihaad Campbell, Jalon Walker, Chandler Martin (mid-round) Key Offseason Events The Shrine Bowl always includes important prospects that teams should consider in the Draft.

Reese's Senior Bowl: Guys with bigger names (on paper) are invited, so every team sends more scouts to evaluate specific prospects. NFL Scouting Combine: February 27 - March 2. Usually, the draft stock for the participating prospects goes up or down depending on how they do during this event. Franchise Tag deadline: March 4. Denver isn't likely to use the tag this year. Free Agency start: March 12. Additionally, multiple intriguing veteran players could be on the trade block. 2025 NFL Draft: April 24 - 26. The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with multiple positions of need for the Broncos, including running backs, tight ends defensive line and a potential generational talented safety. The Broncos are unlikely to use the franchise tag this off season.

This season was a fun one and set a solid foundation for 2025. Entering the 2025 offseason, the Broncos need to be cautiously aggressive in free agency to fill their immediate needs. The playmakers around Bo Nix need to be upgraded in a big way. Sean Payton acknowledged, "We have to have a good off-season." In the second year of the rebuild, more roster additions are needed that build upon the previous off-seasons efforts. But the Broncos must avoid talking themselves into being closer to a contender than they really are. They need to continue developing their players and adding talent if they want to hang with the top teams in the NFL. Denver exceeded expectations in 2024, but the offense must be better in 2025. Payton fired his special team's coordinator, ostensibly, for breakdowns late in the season. There were enough problems offensively and defensively throughout the season to warrant more coaching changes. However, Payton has made no changes as teams around the league have begun pilfering key staff from Denver's organization.

Signed 13 players off the practice squad to reserve-future contracts:

• Linebacker K.J. Cloyd
• Edge rusher Andrew Farmer
• Guard Nick Gargiulo
• Defensive lineman Matt Henningsen
• Defensive back Tanner McAlister
• Nose tackle Jordan Miller
• Cornerback Quinton Newsome
• Wide receiver A.T. Perry*
• Guard Will Sherman
• Defensive back Keidron Smith
• Cornerback Reese Taylor
• Guard Calvin Throckmorton
• Tight end Thomas Yassmin

Staff Losses: STC Ben Kotwica, Asist. GM Darren Mougey, TE coach Declan Doyle, ILB coach Greg Manusky, pass-game coordinator John Morton, ST coach Chris Banjo, Sr. Personnel Exec. David Shaw. Front office executive Mark Thewes. Payton has a history of hiring coaches who go on to bigger and better jobs. He will likely hire a mix of very experienced and younger unknowns ready to prove themselves.

Denver has its quarterback for the next 4 years and likely longer. He will spread the ball around to all his options. The entire running back stable is replaceable despite flashes from Estime and McLaughlin. WR Courtland Sutton's contract will remain up in the air as he continues toward his 30th birthday. Marvin Mims, II is a deep threat, but needs to become a short/intermediate threat also. Troy Franklin will tease, but will be risky and is likely to fail. Devaugh Vele was an average rookie. There are no answers in the tight ends room. Wil Lutz is a good kicker, but an improved offense likely means less fields. However, more PATs could keep him relevant. The defense has to be better, but the sack numbers shoutout regression.

End.