Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Denver Broncos, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.    

Defensive tackle: Marcus Thomas plummeted a year ago due to drug issues while in college at Florida.  And those issues have followed him to the NFL; he was arrested last month for cocaine possession.  Behind Thomas is a roster of has-beens and never-will-bes.  Alvin McKinley had a good season two years ago, but is past his prime.

Denver would be wise to target a player with high character, and the ability to play as a rookie.  Sitting at pick No. 12, the Broncos most likely will miss out on top players like Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis.  And though some league insiders think he’s rising, No. 12 is too high for North Carolina’s Kentawn Balmer.

Offensive tackle:  There are only two tackles on the entire roster.  We repeat:  There are only two tackles on the entire roster.

Ryan Harris will open the season as the starter on the left side, and he will be given every chance to keep the job.  Opposite Harris will most likely be Erik Pears, an undrafted star from Colorado State.  The duo is raw, but talented.  Still, the Broncos must add depth behind the two — depth that is at least good enough to push the apparent starters. 

Denver prefers quick tackles found in the late rounds. Franklin Dunbar of Middle Tennessee fits the team’s habits in this regard.

Safety:  The Broncos must move to replace John Lynch.  Free-agent acquisition Marquand Manuel is playing for his fourth team in five years, which isn’t a good sign.  Denver could make a splash and draft Kenny Phillips early in the first round, but it’s more likely they will wait to address the safety position in round two, especially with Hamza Abdullah having some long-term potential.

Wide Receiver:  Brandon Marshall has the potential to be a star, but he also has the potential to have an early exit from the game.  Javon Walker was cut and has since signed in Oakland, leaving little depth on the roster.  Newcomer Keary Colbert isn’t a marquee player.  Brandon Stokley works best from the slot and is a third-down option.  Adding depth (and maybe an eventual starter) is important, as is finding someone who can contribute in the return game.

Inside linebacker:  Drafting a middle linebacker would allow Williams to (eventually) play his natural position on the outside and give Denver much needed stability in their front seven.  Dan Connor is a very active middle linebacker, who can play inside or out.  A player with that type of value may interest Denver in the first round.  Round two will feature more potential starters, but a drop off in talent.  It’s unclear whether Niko Koutovides will be the answer in the middle.