INDIANAPOLIS — Broncos coach Gary Kubiak stood at the bottom of the airport escalator Tuesday, talking with coaches and eating Skittles. He found Super Bowl 50 gold at the end of his rainbow three weeks ago. The joy of the accomplishment remains, but the work to repeat has begun with Wednesday’s start of the NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Broncos won their third championship with a blend of high-powered free agents, shrewd draft picks and two undrafted free agents (Chris Harris and C.J. Anderson). Success requires roster regeneration and replenishing. General manager John Elway is not afraid to go bold in the draft, landing cornerback Bradley Roby and outside linebacker Shane Ray, both of whom slipped because of off-field issues, with the team’s top picks the past two years. Elway never has drafted an offensive player in the first round. That streak figures to be challenged this season given the Broncos’ needs along the offensive line.
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The Broncos could feature as many as three new starters in the group, which rebounded in the run game when quarterback Brock Osweiler moved under center. Free-agent left guard Evan Mathis, 34, is open to returning to the Broncos, but continues contemplating retirement. Right guard Louis Vasquez battled through knee and back injuries, compromising his performance and creating snaps for promising rookie Max Garcia, a projected starter in 2016. Denver is interested in bringing back veteran tackle Ryan Harris, with talks expected to start this week. But even if Harris comes back and Ty Sambrailo returns from left shoulder labrum surgery, uncertainty exists. Tackle and guard are areas of need.
The draft features a battery of tackles with the University of Mississippi’s Laremy Tunsil projected as the potential first pick. Potential tackles available when the Broncos select 31st (New England doesn’t have a first-round selection) include Ohio State’s Taylor Decker and Indiana’s Jason Spriggs. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Arkansas’ Denver Kirkland and Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair as the top guards.
The Broncos have made a push to re-sign free-agent defensive end Malik Jackson, making a longterm contract offer averaging more than $10 million annually. If Jackson is not retained — he will be difficult to keep away from the highest bidders — defensive line becomes an area of concern. Antonio Smith, 34, is unsure if he will continue playing, saying Monday, “I am waiting to see (what happens).”
Sylvester Williams is versatile enough to play defensive end, if needed, but the draft boasts a deep class at the position. Illinois’ Jihad Ward represents an interesting prospect because of his ability to play inside and rush the passer, skills that made Derek Wolfe and Jackson such a dynamic force last season.
Media interviews begin Wednesday with offensive linemen and running backs. Teams can talk to the players as well. It was at the combine where Garcia sold himself to the Broncos, swaying them in his direction. It seems like the season just ended — “We got a few days off,” Kubiak said — but the legwork to repeat has begun.
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck
Feeling a draft
Talent burns like rocket fuel in pro sports. The good teams supplemnt their rosters with young players, balancing payroll and creating stability. NFL reporter Troy E. Renck lists players potentially available for the Broncos’ 31st overall pick:
Tackles
Taylor Decker, Ohio State
Jason Spriggs, Indiana
Willie Beavers, Western Michigan
Guards
Cody Whitehair, Kansas State.
Vadal Alexander, Louisana State
Defensive ends/tackle
Jihad Ward, Illinois
Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech
