Last season’s moans because of the Broncos’ offensive struggles often eclipsed the praises of their ferocious defense. By season’s end, that defense led Denver to a championship.
As the Broncos transition to the 2016 season, they still need to improve on offense. The problem wasn’t merely at quarterback. Inconsistency with dropped passes and overall disappearances in key moments plagued the Broncos’ receiving corps.
There surely are bigger needs, but Denver could benefit from picking up another playmaker or two at wide receiver or tight end before the draft’s conclusion.
This year’s draft class presents a solid, yet unspectacular group of wide receivers. There’s no true elite talent, although as many as seven — Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwell, Texas Christian’s Josh Doctson, Baylor’s Corey Coleman, Oklahoma’s Sterling Shepard, Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, Ohio State’s Michael Thomas and Pittsburgh’s Tyler Boyd — who could be selected in the first 50 picks.
Demaryius Thomas is coming off a disappointing season because of drops but will have a chance to rebound. He and Emmanuel Sanders still form one of the more formidable receiver duos in the league.
Behind them are question marks. Bennie Fowler and Jordan Norwood showed flashes last season, but neither took grasp of the No. 3 wide receiver spot. Both will have another chance to emerge this season, along with former second-round pick Cody Latimer and promising practice-squad receiver Jordan Taylor.
None of the above gained more than 210 yards receiving last season. A talented rookie could push the group to another level.
Denver’s potential targets at receiver could come in the middle to late rounds, where this draft shows its true strength: depth. Tough, possession receivers with good hands and route-running skills, such as Colorado State’s Rashard Higgins, Massachusetts’ Tajae Sharpe and Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell or speedy deep threats such as TCU’s Kolby Listenbee and Mike Thomas of Southern Mississippi could be available in the third round to fifth rounds, where the Broncos have five selections from No. 94 to No. 157.
The options at tight end aren’t as plentiful. This draft is one of the weakest at the position in recent memory. Arkansas’ Hunter Henry is the only tight end worthy of a top-50 pick. There are only two or three other tight ends likely to be selected in the draft’s first three rounds, and as few as 10 tight ends might be drafted over 253 selections.
Denver’s Jeff Heuerman probably will go into training camp as the favorite to start at tight end, but he hasn’t played in an NFL game yet because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament that cost him last season. Virgil Green has played well as a reserve tight end, but more production is needed from the position. The departures of Owen Daniels and Vernon Davis open up room for a rookie.
A few third-day draft players who could draw the Broncos’ attention are Harvard’s Ben Braunecker, East Carolina’s Bryce Williams and Texas-San Antonio’s David Morgan II. All shine as pass-catching tight ends with the ability or experience of playing fullback, which is another need on the Broncos’ roster. Versatility always helps a player’s chances of making the team.
Whoever the new quarterback is will benefit from a strong crop of pass catchers.
Cameron Wolfe: cwolfe@denverpost.com or @CameronWolfe
Five to watch
NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe analyzes a few players who could intrigue the Broncos at receiver or tight end in this year’s draft.
Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
A local kid who doesn’t lack for confidence and has one of the best combinations of route running and hands in the draft. Projected round: Third
Kolby Listenbee, WR, Texas Christian
A speedy deep threat who will force defenses to keep a safety over the top, and has good size and ball skills. Projected round: Fourth or fifth
Max McCaffrey, WR, Duke
Oldest son of former Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey shows versatility as a punt returner and showed his speed at pro day. Projected round: Seventh or free agent
Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Best tight end in the class, with a complete skill set as a blocker and pass catcher, and can come in as an immediate starter. Projected round: First or second
Ben Braunecker, TE, Harvard
Athletic pass catcher who dominated against lesser competition and also can play fullback. Projected round: Fourth or fifth
