Biggest remaining roster hole for Broncos is not close to what ESPN suggests
The Denver Broncos were a team in complete disarray following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season. It seemed obvious that Russell Wilson had played his last snap with the team, but there were several holes on the roster and it was hard to point to just one.
Entering the draft, it was obvious that the team needed a quarterback. They drafted Bo Nix in the first round to solve that problem. Drafting Troy Franklin in the fourth round was a big move and signing Levi Wallace ahead of the draft was a nice transaction for the team. Both of those moves added depth at positions where it was sorely needed.
The team also drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round and signed Blake Watson as an undrafted free agent to improve the running back room in a big way. But some spots still need some attention or the team will go into the season with some glaring weaknesses.
It can be argued which position that is, but Aaron Schatz of ESPN took a crack at identifying each team’s biggest remaining roster hole and when it comes to the Broncos, he lists the center position. What?
Schatz mentions Luke Wattenberg’s lack of experience as a starter before mentioning that the team could turn to Sam Mustipher if he doesn’t work out. There is no mention of Alex Forsyth in his summary. That is, to put it nicely, just a tad off.
Forsyth should be considered the favorite to be the team’s starting center. He played with Nix at Oregon and that is going to factor into that decision.
What is Denver Broncos’ biggest remaining roster hole?
You could certainly point to tight end, a position the Broncos did not add to in the draft and while the tight end position can be a big one, especially in Sean Payton’s offense, it’s the defensive side of the ball where you see the biggest hole.
The Broncos do not have a top-flight pass rusher. They have some good pieces in Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper. They also drafted Jonah Elliss so hopes will be high that he can become that player. But none of those guys has game-wrecking ability.
A dominant pass rusher is nearly essential in today’s league. The Broncos had one in Von Miller but they have never come close to replacing what he brought to the defense. That is the team’s biggest current hole and certainly a far bigger hole than what it currently has at the center spot.