Deshaun Watson is clearly frustrated with the Houston Texans’ management, to point that speculation has started about potential trade destinations.
To trade for a star QB like Watson, a team would likely have to give up multiple first-round picks, multiple second-round picks and a player or two. In a hypothetical scenario, could the Denver Broncos afford to do that?
If it took three or four first-round picks, two second-round picks plus quarterback Drew Lock to trade for Watson, would it be worth it? For a franchise quarterback, absolutely.
Denver has needs and early-round picks are great to have, but the Broncos already have a strong established core. Many of the team’s roster needs could be filled through free agency and the mid-to-late rounds of future drafts.
Denver’s top draft needs (arguably) are cornerback, right tackle, coverage linebacker, safety, and edge defender. The Broncos could potentially address those needs even without first- and second-round picks.
Last year, Denver selected cornerback Michael Ojemudia in the third round, so it’s clearly possible to land talented CBs outside the first two rounds.
At right tackle, Ja’Wuan James still has three years remaining on his contract. He hasn’t proven he can be counted on so far, but James is talented when healthy. If he’s fully recovered, James could at least be a short-term RT.
Coverage linebacker might not actually be a big position of need if Justin Strnad reaches his full potential. A fifth-round pick last year, Strnad missed his rookie season with a wrist injury.
At safety, it’s worth noting that Justin Simmons was a third-round pick and Will Parks was a sixth-round pick. The Broncos should be able to find a talented defensive back outside the top two rounds, and Kareem Jackson still has a year left on his contract. Justin Simmons should be re-signed.
Finally, at outside linebacker, Denver should start thinking about a future replacement for Von Miller, who turns 32 this offseason. Miller still has some gas left in the tank, though, and Malik Reed and Jeremiah Attaochu have proven to be very capable replacements when Miller is not available.
The Broncos’ roster holes don’t have to be addressed with first- and second-round picks. If it’s possible to add a QB like Watson to an already talented roster, Denver should make a strong push to make it happen.
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