AFC West offseason grades: Where do Chiefs rank?

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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver deserves more respect than it has been getting throughout the offseason. While it is easy to write off the Broncos after a tough few months, they are still the defending champions with a very good defense.

While general manager John Elway did apply the franchise tag to Von Miller and signed C.J. Anderson (to a poor contract), he watched a mass exodus of talent. The Broncos were gutted in spots, losing defensive end Malik Jackson, inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, tight end Owen Daniels, guard Evan Mathis and quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Denver fans contend that the depth of this roster can override those losses, but that’s a thin argument. The Broncos added nothing of note in free agency and took a project quarterback in Paxton Lynch in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Mark Sanchez is going to start under center. He might be the equivalent to Osweiler, and with the defections elsewhere on the team, that might be a huge issue.

Bottom line: This is still a dangerous group, but this offseason certainly was rough on the Broncos.

Grade: C-

Projected record: 9-7

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