25. Denver Broncos
Current cap space: $61,946,764
Primary free agents: FS Justin Simmons, CB Chris Harris Jr., DL Derek Wolfe, DT Shelby Harris
“Yeah, that’s what I like. Contrary to the stereotype that is always out there — a defensive head coach wants to ground and pound and considers a pitch to the halfback a pass — that is not me. I like to be aggressive.”
That’s what Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said Thursday in the press conference welcoming new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to the team. Shurmur, the former Giants head coach, does have a favorable recent history in this regard. As the Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2017, he somehow turned Case Keenum into one of the NFL’s most effective downfield passers with route concepts that presented his quarterback with easy deep reads.
Now, Shurmur has second-year quarterback Drew Lock, whose arm sets up very nicely for deep throws — even if his GPS isn’t always on point. Last season, Lock completed three of 11 passes of 20 or more air yards for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception. There’s work to be done here, but Lock has the most potential of any Broncos quarterback since … well, Peyton Manning. Not to put Lock on that level yet; it’s more an indictment of the quarterbacks John Elway has chosen over the past few seasons. Shurmur and Lock seem like a good match.