Mason's Mailbag: Drew Lock will get time to develop as backup

[Miles]

With the draft over, what position/roster holes can we (Denver) now consider “filled” and what others do we still need to address via free agency (veterans)?


-- Jayson Mayka


I'd regard the offense as pretty well set. The Broncos could add a veteran offensive tackle to compete behind Ja'Wuan James and Garett Bolles, but they could opt to stand pat, since Risner also has the flexibility to move to right tackle if an injury necessitates it. Don't forget about the presence of Don Barclay, who started 24 games for the Packers from 2013-16 before playing the 2017 campaign for the Lions. He could be a solid interior depth option.


On defense, the recent signing of Billy Winn, the trade for Dekoda Watson and the selections of Dre'Mont Jones and Justin Hollins help settle the depth in the front seven. The Broncos could opt to add another inside linebacker at some point if Hollins ends up factoring more as an edge rusher and if the youth at the position doesn't develop. But for now, Fangio wants to see what Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson and 2018 sixth-round pick Keishawn Bierria can do.


I am ecstatic about this year's draft. That being said, is Dalton Risner projected to compete (and hopefully start) at center, right guard or is there some shuffling involved?


-- Jose Borrero


Look for Risner to work at right guard. Center could be in play down the line. That depends on how McGovern plays this year and what his future with the Broncos is, since he is in the final year of his rookie contract.


What do you think about the broncos ILBs? Do you think they will add another one and do you think they should?


-- @korn_korni (via Twitter)


You'll see some undrafted inside linebackers added to the team this week, but as for veteran additions, don't bank on it right now.


As I said numerous times over the course of a 29.5-hour broadcast marathon on Orange and Blue 760 and KOA during the draft's three days, you weren't going to cross all the items off the shopping list with surefire starters during a single draft. Some needs had to be kicked down the road a year.


I think the best play is to see how the young players fare for now. It would also be helpful to see how much an increased emphasis on zone coverage can aid Jewell, who should be better suited to the Broncos' defensive scheme than the one they used last year. I expect it will allow him to play to his strengths.