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Check out the biggest NFL Games by viewing the Broncos Schedule, Raiders Schedule, Chargers Schedule, 49ers Schedule today. The Broncos underachieved in 2007, resulting in a 7-9 record. Jay Cutler suffered a sophomore slump in addition to the offensive line being the weakest in a decade or more. Denver will need to retool if they plan to challenge San Diego in the AFC West. It starts with the #12 pick in April's draft. .

2008 NFL Draft Preview: Denver Broncos' Wishlist

After an impressive 2-0 start in 2007, Denver fell off the contender map with a 1-5 stretch. The Broncos were 30th in rush defense and 28th in points allowed. They were solid rushing the ball as usual (9th in the league), but didn't turn enough drives into touchdowns (21st in points scored). After a Travis Henry meltdown after 4 weeks, Selvin Young was a pleasant product of the Denver Broncos school of running backs, gaining 730 yards and 5.2 yards/carry. Brandon Marshall emerged as a top-flight wide receiver with 102 catches, 1325 yards and 7 TDs. Elvis Dumervil has been a great pass rusher in his first two seasons, amassing 20 sacks and 5 forced fumbles.

The top need areas for Denver for the 2008 draft are offensive line, defensive tackle, safety and outside linebacker. Sam Adams and John Lynch are still productive players on defense, but are old enough that Denver needs to plan for the future at those positions.

With the #12 pick in the 1st round, Denver can target offensive tackles Jeff Otah (Pittsburgh) and Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) or safety Kenny Phillips (Miami). In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Denver will look for a defensive tackle or offensive lineman. Dre Moore (Maryland) and Pat Sims (Auburn) are 300+ pounds and a force on the defensive line. Roy Schuening (Oregon State) and Branden Albert (Virginia) are good options in the 3rd round at offensive guard. Denver has many options for linebacker in the 2008 NFL draft, especially in the later rounds. Alvin Bowen (Iowa State) and Jeremy Lehman (Illinois) can be had in the 5th round and beyond.

Looking ahead to 2008, Denver is significantly ahead of Kansas City and Oakland in the AFC West, but San Diego is clearly the class of the division. Denver can compete for the playoffs when the defense returns to form. Jay Cutler will rebound and Brandon Marshall will only get better with a healthy Javon Walker on the other side of the formation. Denver will improve on their 7-9 record in 2008 with the possibility of the playoffs.