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Denver Broncos
TEAM NEEDS: Defensive tackle, defensive end, inside linebacker, cornerback.
DT -- The Broncos don't have a proven, natural nose tackle on the roster, someone that can clog up the middle in a 3-4. Denver's run defense has been porous the past few years, and it won't get better until the front line improves. The need is so great at nose tackle, a trade up to get Boston College's B.J. Raji can't be ruled out.
DE -- With the Broncos' switching to a 3-4 defense, they no longer define defensive linemen as they had under Mike Shanahan. Ends in the old defense like Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss don't fit as ends in a 3-4, so there is a strong need to stock up in the draft. The Broncos could use a couple of their picks at this position.
ILB -- Although the Broncos have some young talent at linebacker, a star in D.J. Williams and added Andra Davis via free agency, a stout inside linebacker would help. That could allow others to fall into their more natural positions. The Broncos will also need depth at inside linebacker.
CB -- The starting spots are filled by Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, but there are some questions further down the depth chart. Last year's rookies, Jack Williams and Josh Bell, could prove to be worthy successors, but the Broncos could also decide to draft a young cornerback to fill the nickel cornerback role with an eye to the future.
QB -- Without Jay Cutler, the Broncos have Kyle Orton and Chris Simms. Neither is a sure-fire franchise quarterback, especially since Orton is only signed through this season. The Broncos could pick a quarterback early, or could try to hit a home run late. That worked for the Patriots and Josh McDaniels, who worked with Tom Brady and Matt Cassel the past few years.
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