NFL News & Analysis

2023 NFL Offseason report: Denver Broncos

Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks in a huddle during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency recap: The Broncos signed two of the top available free agents in offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers. McGlinchey was PFF's 11th-ranked free agent, while Powers ranked 15th among guards in PFF WAR in 2022.

• Best move of the offseason: With the two big free-agent signings, the Broncos should now have a formidable starting offensive line.

• Outlook for 2023: If head coach Sean Payton can get Russell Wilson playing at a level reminiscent of his Seattle days, Denver could be a surprise playoff team in 2023.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes


As the dust settles on the 2023 NFL offseason, it's time to assess how each team fared in their quest to improve their roster.

Recapping blockbuster trades and high-profile signings to shrewd draft selections, PFF offers an in-depth assessment of all 32 NFL teams, shedding light on the potential impact these moves may have on their fortunes in the upcoming campaign.

For more information on each team's draft selections and offseason moves, download the PFF draft guide today!

DENVER BRONCOS OFFSEASON GRADE: B-

2023 NFL Free Agency
FA signings FA losses
T Mike McGlinchey DI Dre’Mont Jones (SEA)
DI Zach Allen G Dalton Risner (FA)
G Ben Powers G Billy Turner (NYJ)
LB Alex Singleton T Cameron Fleming (FA)
S Kareem Jackson
RB Samaje Perine
CB Kyle Fuller
P Riley Dixon
Free agency recap

Denver quietly upgraded the offensive and defensive lines this offseason. Former Broncos interior defender Dre’Mont Jones signed for big money in Seattle, but he earned a sub-60.0 PFF grade in each of the past two seasons. To take his place, Denver signed Zach Allen away from Arizona for less money than Jones got from Seattle, and Allen ranked 15th in PFF WAR in 2022 while Jones ranked 60th.

On the other side of the ball, the Broncos signed two of the top available free agents in offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers. McGlinchey was our 11th-ranked free agent, while Powers ranked 15th among guards in PFF WAR in 2022.

2023 Draft class

R2 (63): WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
R3 (67): LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
R3 (83): CB Riley Moss, Iowa
R6 (183): S JL Skinner, Boise State
R7 (257): C Alex Forsyth, Oregon

2023 NFL Draft recap

Denver did not hold a first-round pick due to last year’s trade for Russell Wilson, but the team made the most of the situation with three solid picks on Day 2.

Wide receiver Marvin Mims is known for his after-the-catch ability, but his 54.5% contested catch rate suggests he can do it all despite his size.

Linebacker Drew Sanders is certainly capable off the ball, but he also possesses a unique pass-rush skill set that the Broncos will want to tap into.

Best move of the offseason: Offensive line overhaul

With the two big free-agent signings, the Broncos should now have a formidable starting five up front. Powers' 86.7 run-blocking grade ranked second among the league’s guards last season, and McGlinchey has put up an above-average PFF grade in all five of his professional seasons. 

Remaining team needs: RB

Running back Javonte Williams tore his ACL, PCL and LCL in his right knee last October, and while Sean Payton recently offered some optimism that he may be ready for the start of the season, expectations that Williams could approach his previous level of athleticism this season probably need to be tempered.

The Broncos did sign former Bengals backup RB Samaje Perine, but there is little depth behind him, and Denver could be in the market for another veteran back come August. 

Early position battle to watch: Marvin Mims vs. Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick

Jerry Jeudy is set as the slot receiver and top target of the unit, but past injury issues surrounding the other Broncos pass-catchers could pave the way to a significant early role for rookie Marvin Mims.

Courtland Sutton has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons with shoulder, knee and hamstring issues, and Tim Patrick missed all of last season with an ACL injury suffered in training camp.

2023 Outlook

There’s no question that Denver has a rough road through the highly competitive AFC West, and the play of Russell Wilson in 2022 doesn’t leave a ton of room for optimism. However, the rest of the pieces are now largely there for the offense, and an already-strong defense could improve with Allen's arrival.

If Sean Payton can get Wilson playing at a level more reminiscent of his Seattle days, Denver could be a surprise playoff team in 2023.

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit