NFL Draft: 5 best landing spots for former Vol Kyle Phillips

COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a call alongside Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts after a call alongside Jake Bentley #19 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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Denver Broncos 3rd AFC West 6-10

Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos

denverbroncos.com

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Broncos have struggled since Peyton Manning retired. Sure, not all their problems come from the quarterback position, hence a potential landing spot for Kyle Phillips, but Manning’s importance can’t be understated.

The defense was okay last season, but it’s no longer great. Upgrading the defensive line is something the Broncos will surely look to do.

Like the Bucs, Denver ranked near the bottom half of the NFL in total defense. The Broncos ranked 22nd giving up 365.1 yards on the season. Their passing defense ranked 20th allowing 246 yards per game and the rushing defense gave up 4.5 yards per attempt.

What defensive ends are on the Broncos roster?

Here is a look at the current defensive ends on the Broncos roster: Adam Gotsis (Georgia Tech), Zach Kerr (Delaware), Caushaud Lyons (Tusculum), DeMarcus Walker (Florida State), and Derek Wolfe (Cincinnati).

What picks do the Broncos have?

Round 5: No. 148, No. 156 (Vikings)

Round 6: No. 182

Round 7: No. 237 (Texans)

Again, late picks in the draft are something we kept an eye on. The Broncos defense was good but is certainly nowhere near the level of 4-5 years ago. There could be worse selections than Kyle Phillips.