Denver Broncos (Last Year: 8-9)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
C GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: Of all the teams outside the top three in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Broncos are the most desperate for a quarterback. The only players at the position on their roster are Zach Wilson, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci, and there’s no way the organization can sell their fans on that trio. However, it’s important for the Broncos to not reach for a quarterback. In fact, they would be wise to trade down because they have one of the weakest rosters in the NFL.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: There was some speculation from the Denver media that the team could trade up for Bo Nix. This was before the Zach Wilson acquisition, which gave the Broncos some insurance. They remained at No. 12 to select Bo Nix, which still seems like an egregious error, but at least they didn’t move up for him. Still, the Broncos should have traded down, as no one else was going to select Nix in the 13-25 range. Nix was considered a second-round prospect, so selecting him at No. 12 was a colossal reach.
It’s a shame the Nix pick had to spoil Denver’s draft class because the rest of it was quite good. Troy Franklin was a steal in the fourth round, and he could play right away as a replacement for Jerry Jeudy. Kris Abrams-Draine and Audric Estime were third-day steals as well. Jonah Elliss didn’t provide amazing value, but he was a solid third-round choice to help improve a very weak pass rush.
Had the Broncos traded down for Nix, I would have graded this much more favorably. The overall grade would perhaps be a B+ or a “B,” depending on what Denver obtained. However, failing to acquire more capital and just drafting Nix at No. 12 was a huge blunder.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
12. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon – MILLEN Grade
This reminds me of the Vikings drafting Christian Ponder or the Jaguars drafting Blaine Gabbert. Both quarterbacks were second-round prospects who were pushed way up because of position and need. This is the case here, as Nix should be a second-round selection. The Broncos, however, were very desperate for a quarterback and were backed into a corner. They should have traded back and tried to get Nix.
76. Jonah Elliss, DE/OLB, Utah – B Grade
The Broncos had interest in Laiatu Latu, so they may have taken him had they not needed a quarterback. Thus, it’s not a surprise to see them address their weak edge rush with this pick. Jonah Elliss fits the range and fills a need, but he’s a bit undersized, so his snap count will be limited.
102. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon – A+ Grade
What a steal! Troy Franklin easily could have gone in the second round. The Broncos are getting a steal, all while filling a need to replace Jerry Jeudy. Even better, Franklin gets to keep playing with his college quarterback. Definitely an A+ pick!
145. Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri – A Grade
The Broncos didn’t have much at cornerback aside from Patrick Surtain, so they had to address the position. Kris Abrams-Draine has a chance to become a starter in the future, as he was a potential third-round pick, so I like this value.
147. Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame – A Grade
Here’s another value pick in the fifth round, as Audric Estime could have been selected toward the end of Day 2. Audric Estime is a powerful, downhill runner who should be able to complement Javonte Williams well. Williams has a recent ACL tear, so some insurance was needed.
235. Devaughn Vele, WR, Utah – B Grade
The Broncos have receiver depth issues, so addressing this position makes sense. Devaughn Vele is a huge receiver, but there are some separation question marks.
256. Nicholas Garguilo, C/G, South Carolina – A- Grade
The Broncos lost some linemen in free agency, so they had to find some depth. Why not draft a guy who can play every interior position? I thought Nicholas Garguilo would go a bit earlier than this, so I like the value.
Season Summary:
The Broncos looked like they had a chance at a playoff run at one point during the season, but Russell Wilson had a terrible performance against the Patriots during a national TV appearance.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson late in the year, and he was right for doing so. Denver will need to find a new quarterback this offseason.
- Two Defensive Tackles: Denver surrendered more rushing yards than any other team last year. Defensive tackle upgrades must be found.
- Cornerback: Patrick Surtain is a top-tier cornerback, but the Broncos don’t have much else at the position.
- Wide Receiver: Jerry Jeudy has been a disappointment, so some wide receiver help should be obtained. Signed Josh Reynolds
- Center: Lloyd Cushenberry is Denver’s top offensive free agent, so he’ll need to be retained or replaced.
- Linebacker: Josey Jewell is the Broncos’ best defensive free agent. He’ll be missed if he leaves.
- Kicker: Wil Lutz is heading for free agency as well. Re-signed Wil Lutz
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Denver Broncos Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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