Friday Faceoff: As NFL free agency opens Monday, which players should the Broncos draft, extend and sign this offseason?

Paul Klee, sports editor

Answer: Draft LB Anthony Hill Jr., extend CB Ja’Quan McMillian, sign RB Travis Etienne

Was it pure luck the Broncos tied an NFL record with 11 wins in one-score games? Or pure guts?

When it comes to yanking victory from the jaws of defeat, the smart money is on a regression. But here’s how the Broncos defend their AFC West crown.

Use the No. 30 pick on Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who had a good habit of causing havoc with three interceptions and seven forced fumbles over two years. Extend cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, a fearless young man who has more than a little Chris Harris Jr. to his game. Sign veteran running back Travis Etienne, who approached 1,400 yards from scrimmage and scored 13 touchdowns last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now that’s a serious haul.

General manager George Paton finally has some room to work with under the salary cap. But there’s no room for error. The oddsmakers believe the Chiefs and Chargers both are better bets to win Super Bowl LXI.

Ouch. Can the Broncos get a little respect around here? But that’s sure to be the narrative: The Broncos were as lucky as they were good.

Why extend McMillian? Well, his gimme-that interception beat the Bills in the playoffs. And that secondary is filled with winners you want on your team.

Why draft Hill? The Broncos’ linebackers now are not getting any younger, cheaper or healthier. And forcing more turnovers is priority No. 1.

Why sign Etienne? The 1-2 punch of Etienne and RJ Harvey would be the top tandem of running backs in the AFC West. 

With some guts, the Broncos can make their own luck.

Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat writer

Answer: Draft TE Kenyon Sadiq, extend S Devon Key, sign RB Tyler Allgeier 

Let Bo Nix get the old gang back together.

The Broncos quarterback already plays with two college teammates — wide receiver Troy Franklin and center Alex Forsyth — with another Oregon star possibly on the way. Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq is considered a late first-round prospect with the Broncos slated to pick at No. 30 overall. They conducted a formal interview at the NFL combine. Sadiq is a big-play threat with the size and athleticism to give Nix a sorely needed target in the passing game.  

The Broncos should stay in-house to fill a potential hole in the secondary. If safety P.J. Locke walks in free agency, that opens the door for safety Devon Key to sign a contract extension. He earned first-team All-Pro honors last season after leading the league in special teams tackles (26). Key deserves a stronger look on defense, where he’s shined in spot duty, after a breakout year in 2025. 

The Broncos have belief in RJ Harvey as the 1A running back after his strong rookie campaign. It’s possible the team will bring back wingman J.K. Dobbins. But injury troubles should steer Denver in a different direction. My pick for the 1B running back is the Falcons’ Tyler Allgeier. With new scenery, the 25-year-old is primed for a breakout year as a physical runner who scored eight touchdowns last season. Allgeier will be highly sought after in free agency. The Broncos should be leading his recruitment.