How do the Broncos fix their inept defense?

Through four games, Denver (1-3) has allowed the most yards (1,846) and points (150) in the NFL. While some blame falls on defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, there are personnel issues, too.

"The Broncos' best players also aren't doing enough," wrote Jeff Legwold of ESPN. "Roster help isn't on the way, but the fact that Justin Fields finished the first half 16-of-17 for 231 yards and three TDs shows it isn't just a coaching problem — it's an effort and production problem, too."

Some of Denver's best defensive players, such as safety Justin Simmons (hip), have suffered injuries that sidelined them for multiple games. However, they can't singlehandedly solve all of the unit's problems.

"It can't all be Simmons, can it? No, it can't," wrote Matt Schubert of The Denver Post. "How do we know? Because the Broncos defense was just as bad in the second half of their loss to Washington in Week 2. Which means that this Broncos defense is just plain bad."

Barring some significant improvement, the unit will likely prevent the Broncos from becoming a playoff team. They could try to trade for more assets, but the team doesn't want to lose more draft capital after two seasons without a first-round pick.

So Denver should start scouting highly touted draft prospects to rebuild its defense, and it should start with it's pass-rush. Per Pro Football Reference, the unit has the worst pressure rate (10.5 percent) in the league.

Per Tankathon, the Broncos will select Florida State defensive end Jared Verse with the fourth overall pick. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him as the top DE prospect so he could help them resolve some issues.

Regardless, the Broncos must find the right building blocks to reload their defense. Otherwise, it will hinder the club.