NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft

12 of 33

ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Austin Denton, a 17-year-old cancer survivor, poses with Bradley Chubb of NC State after he was selected #5 overall by the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looks on at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos. 22. team. 45. . Last Rank: 26.

Best Pick: EDGE Bradley Chubb, NC State

Chubb. Bradley Chubb.

Remember back when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50? How did they do it? Well, an elite-level defense and pass rush was the winning formula, and it looks as if Denver general manager John Elway wants to replicate that again.

His first selection, Chubb at No. 5 overall, was a gift. It wouldn’t have been a shock to see the Browns grab this year’s best pass-rusher the pick earlier. Going with Denzel Ward, though, the Broncos couldn’t pass up on a player to pair with top-tier EDGE Von Miller.

Yeah, Denver’s defense is going to be scary good again, hence the nice jump in our NFL power rankings.

The Broncos’ quarterbacking play should be better this season with Case Keenum under center. And he should be thankful Elway added two more offensive pieces to provide him with support — wide receiver Courtland Sutton and running back Royce Freeman in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively.

Denver’s fall-off 2017 efforts should largely be erased by this year’s draft haul. And while the Broncos might have a tough time challenging for an AFC West crown, at least they made some of the best moves possible.