Friday Faceoff: What is the Denver Broncos’ biggest need entering the NFL offseason?

Chris Tomasson, Broncos beat reporter

Answer: Running back

Coach Sean Payton reiterated Wednesday that he wants to have an effective attack of two running backs. It’s uncertain if he even has one.

As the Broncos head into the offseason, their top need has to be regarded as help at running back. Javonte Williams, who never has been the same back since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2022, was their leading rusher with a meager 513 yards and likely won’t be back after becoming an unrestricted free agent. It marked just the second time since the start of the 1983 season that Denver didn’t have a 600-yard rusher.

Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime showed some flashes, but both were inconsistent. If either is the lead back next season, that won’t be good news for the Broncos.

McLaughlin’s best role is as a change-of-pace back. Payton doesn’t trust Estime, who might have overcome his fumble problems but isn’t a good receiver or pass blocker. He was inactive in last Sunday’s 31-7 playoff loss at Buffalo in favor of Tyler Badie, who then got just two carries for eight yards.

The Broncos might not look to sign a big-name running back in free agency because backs can be found in the draft able to contribute immediately. With their No. 20 pick, it’s not likely Boise State star Ashton Jeanty will be available then. But it would be a surprise if the Broncos don’t select a running back in the draft much earlier than the fifth round, which is where they took Estime last year.

A name to keep an eye on is Omarion Hampton, who was an even better running back at North Carolina than Williams was, rushing for 1,504 yards in 2023 and 1,660 in 2024. And keep in mind that Williams, who was taken by the Broncos in the second round in 2021 and rushed for 903 yards as a rookie, was pretty darn good until he got hurt.

Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat writer

Answer: Tight end

It’s time to admit one of the bigger draft misses of the George Paton era.

Taking Greg Dulcich with the No. 80 overall pick (third round) in 2022 was a bad call. The UCLA product couldn’t stay healthy, and when he did, his play underwhelmed even with rookie quarterback Bo Nix reviving the franchise. It’s why Denver released Dulcich in November.

But it left the Broncos with a glaring tight end vacancy that simply won’t be filled by any combination of Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull or Nate Adkins. They’re all fine complimentary players with important roles. But none have the type of game-changing skillset the Broncos covet.

Imagine if you plugged Raiders tight end Brock Bowers into their offense. The dynamic rookie finished the season with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns.

Can the Broncos find a similar playmaker in the upcoming draft? The class is loaded.

There are two homegrown talents that readers should follow closely.

Gunnar Helm played at Cherry Creek before Texas. Terrance Ferguson played at Heritage before Oregon. Both players averaged more than 13 yards per catch last season with multiple receiving touchdowns.

Payton talks regularly about his desire for a so-called “Joker” on offense. Finding a rookie tight end with elite ball skills and versatility should be among the team’s top priorities this offseason.