The Denver Broncos found themselves on the wrong side of two four game losing skids after their bye week in 2009. We shouldn’t say that they are in a rebuild mode, especially considering they swapped out 34 players in 2009, but there is some work to be done.

The biggest weakness of this team is the run defense, and that is where their focus must lie. They have signed a few Defensive Lineman in free agency to help there, but the LB corps needs a little work. They must do a better job of stopping the run especially in the late stages of the season.

In 2009 the defense ranked 26th against the run, and 27th in yards allowed per attempt. Those are numbers that must be improved on and thanks to the Jay Cutler trade they have the 11th overall pick in April’s draft.

It would be far too easy to say that the Broncos should draft a strong 3-4 LB like Rolando McClain. That will be well and good but the Broncos have another problem to figure out first.

Can they continue with WR Brandon Marshall on the roster?

That is the question, and the answer severely affects what they do in the first round. If they can live with him they address the run defense with their first round pick, if they cannot then they have to address the need for a new number one receiver.

However the Bronco needs go a lot deeper than that. Center Casey Weigman will be 37 in July, and the team could use a prospect to take his place. They could also use a pass rushing DE or rush/cover OLB. They are also in the market for an OG.

Before the get to draft day the Broncos have to find an answer for the Marshall question, they than have to see about trading him, and what they get back, and then set up a plan that address their needs. Based on the current WR market Marshall could fetch as high as a second round pick for the 2010 draft.

Related Links:

• Denver Broncos news and notes
• 2010 NFL Draft news, notes, and rumors
• 2010 NFL team needs
• 2010 NFL Free Agents
• MTR Football.com