LA Chargers: Behind Enemy Lines with Predominantly Orange

Thoughts on the Broncos’ offseason

Bolt Beat: “The Broncos entered the offseason with a big need at the cornerback position. They traded for A.J. Buoye, but besides that, do you think the Broncos did enough to address the need?

Predominantly Orange: “Before the draft, I was hoping that the Broncos draft an elite cornerback, then Jeudy got to us and I swallowed all my words and got on the hype train. Then on the 2nd round, Kristian Fulton was still available but Elway doubled-dipped the chip. I like Michael Ojemudia, he will fit perfectly in Vic Fangio’s scheme as he played almost exclusively on zone coverage in his career in Iowa.

But, I don’t think he is going to resolve the need completely. It is questionable at best if he is going to get the starting job from Isaac Yiadom at any point in the 2020 season. I don’t think the Broncos addressed the need completely, but we all know what Fangio can do.”

Bolt Beat: “The team added a pair of great, dynamic receivers in Jeudy and Hamler who should complement Courtland Sutton beautifully. Who do you think projects as the long term WR1, Sutton or Jeudy?”

Predominantly Orange: “Jeudy’s talent is as great as of any prospect that has ever entered the NFL. His route running ability and explosiveness after the catch will translate smoothly to the next level. But, I still see Sutton being the WR1 in this offense. It is clear that Drew Lock and Sutton have a great connection.

They showed it since Lock’s first start against the Chargers, where he threw his first 2 touchdown passes to the man of the hour. The Broncos offense will finally be fun to watch again. Going back to the Peyton Manning era, I think of Jeudy as the Emmanuel Sanders, and Sutton as the Demaryius Thomas.”

Bolt Beat: “After the NFL Draft, what would you say is the Broncos’ weakest position group?”

Predominantly Orange: “The Broncos needed to replace two guys in this offseason, Yiadom, and Elijah Wilkinson. Yiadom had a 70% rate of completions allowed, and Wilkinson was among the bottom of the league on sacks allowed (10). During the draft, Elway got Lloyd Cushenberry and Netane Muti, 2 guys with starter caliber skills.

The dynamism of Graham Glasgow will push him to the right side as Cushenberry starts at center. Yiadom, on the other hand, is still the starter. Ojemudia is a good prospect with solid skills and very good experience in zone coverage, but he will not get the starting job right away. He is a project that hopefully will go as planned, but that uncertainty makes me think of cornerback as the weakest position.”

Bolt Beat: “Who is an under-the-radar guy that the Chargers should look out for when they play the Broncos in 2020? Someone who is not noted or talked about but can have a big impact in games.”

Predominantly Orange: “Sophomore-to-be Noah Fant. He is primed for a breakout season after corralling 550 receiving yards in limited playing time. Tight ends usually need a year or 2 to solidify their pass-blocking abilities and that is what we will see on Fant next season. After getting better progressively during his rookie campaign, Fant showed that he is a big play waiting to happen.

He was among the league’s best in yards per reception, and on yards after the catch. And now, with the additions of Jeudy and Hamler, Fant’s opportunity to be a sneaky dangerous weapon will most certainly increase. I am not saying he is going to produce every week, but that he can provide with game-changing plays when the opportunity arises.”