The 2024 NFL Draft is just hours away and that gives us a chance to take one final look at how things will shake out for the Denver Broncos. Is there a team in the entire league facing more pressure to turn this year's selection process into a success?
Coming off of an 8-9 season in which the team saw both a 50-point defeat and a five-game winning streak, the Broncos were a complete rollercoaster ride. But with Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons being cut this offseason along with the trade of Jerry Jeudy, the team needs several new pieces in key places.
The Broncos currently own eight picks in the draft, which we will be tracking here and providing in-depth analysis for each. Using the simulator provided by Pro Football Network, here is what I came up with for the Broncos.
Denver Broncos 7-round mock draft
Sticking with the trade-down approach, the Broncos make the following trade with the Miami Dolphins:
Broncos get: 2024 First-round pick (No. 21), 2024 second-round pick (No. 55), 2025 third-round pick.
Dolphins get: 2024 first-round pick (No. 12)
The Broncos drop back just nine slots in the first round and not only get the much-needed second-round pick, but also a third next year. This would be an easy trade to say yes to if offered.
Round 1- Pick No. 21: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Aside from quarterback, the Broncos need help along the defensive line more than anywhere else. Byron Murphy II has shot up draft boards because of his explosiveness and ability to become a dominant player in the middle of a defensive front. He can shut down the run but he offers plenty as a pass-rusher too, as evidenced by his 8.5 sacks last year.
This would be a great way to get things started for the Broncos.
Round 2- Pick No. 55: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Broncos need to add to the wide receiver room in this draft and taking more than one receiver should not even be out of the question.
Troy Franklin has first-round talent and when you see him play, he looks like the prototypical great wide receiver. He is 6-foot-1 with a lean frame and low 4.4 speed. He is a serious threat after the catch and could become one of the top playmakers in all of football after a couple of years in the right system.
Why would Broncos’ triumvirate of Payton, Penner and Paton listen to local talk show goofs who believe the team should draft Nix or Penix at 12 when they can be picked late in first round and still have fifth year on contract?
— Woody Paige (@woodypaige) April 25, 2024
Round 3- Pick No. 76: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
This is the spot for Spencer Rattler to be picked by the Broncos, although you could make the case to take him in the second round to make sure you get him.
The Broncos need to add an arm in this draft but they need to be smart about it. Spending the No. 12 overall pick on one is not smart. If this scenario came to fruition, it would look brilliant. Adding Rattler to a group that includes veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson suddenly looks pretty good.
Round 4- Pick No. 121: Jalyx Hunt, EDGE, Houston Christian
At this stage in the draft, finding freakishly athletic players who have not come close to hitting their personal ceiling is always going to be a good pick. Jalyx Hunt is just that, an edge rusher from a small school but one who has risen the ranks of this class for good reason.
Round 5- Pick No. 136: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State
Part of a stout Florida State defense last season, Jarrian Jones is an aggressive defender with good size. He can line up at multiple spots and he is a capable tackler in the running game.
Round 5- Pick No. 145: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
This would be tremendous value at this spot and it would feel a need due to the uncertainty surrounding Greg Dulcich and his inability to stay on the field. Theo Johnson is a big, athletic target who could turn into a solid red-zone weapon in the NFL.
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE
Round 5- Pick No. 147: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh
This is another player who won't likely be there at this spot but would be too good to pass on if he was. The Broncos added Matt Peart as a backup offensive tackle this offseason but adding Matt Goncalves would give the Broncos a player who can eventually crack the starting lineup.
Round 6- Pick No. 203: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
The Broncos can stand to add to a running back room that includes Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin. Kimani Vidal is one of the better under-the-radar prospects in this class and is coming off a monster career at Troy, where he rushed for over 4,000 career yards. He also adds something as a receiver out of the backfield.
Round 7- Pick No. 256: Tejhaun Palmer, WR, UAB
Sean Payton likes big targets in the passing game. Tejhaun Palmer is 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. He caught 47 passes and scored seven touchdowns for the Dragons last year.
