One of the best defenses in the NFL belongs to the Denver Broncos, who delivered another impressive performance against Seattle. However, Denver’s offense continues to hold the team back, raising questions about whether Bo Nix is the right quarterback to lead the franchise moving forward. With the 2027 NFL Draft approaching, the Broncos could explore several options to improve their offense, including potentially targeting a new franchise quarterback.
In this week’s NFL Draft Fallout, we examine Denver’s options at quarterback, including a first-round prospect who could be an intriguing replacement for Nix. We also identify five potential draft targets for the Washington Commanders, who have several needs to address if they want to get back on track.
Additionally, we examine the Seattle Seahawks’ need for help at right tackle, identify a potential solution to Houston’s struggling running game, and cover the latest NFL Draft fallout from this week’s action.
Bo Nix possible replacement
The Denver Broncos are off to an impressive 4-2 start, led by a defense that has already produced 10 takeaways this season. However, there are major questions surrounding the Broncos’ offense, which is averaging just 252.2 yards and 19 points per game, both of which rank near the bottom of the NFL. At the center of those concerns is whether quarterback Bo Nix is the right player to lead the franchise moving forward.
Nix is only in his third NFL season after being selected 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his lackluster performances this season have raised a legitimate question: Is it time for Denver to consider moving on from him? Nix is averaging just 5.4 air yards per attempt, the lowest among 31 qualified NFL quarterbacks, and has thrown for fewer than 125 yards in each of his past two games.
If Nix fails to turn things around, look for Denver to explore its options at quarterback this offseason. The most likely route would be adding a veteran quarterback who could compete for the starting job. One potential option in free agency is San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones, a smart and accurate passer who could fit the type of quarterback Sean Payton wants running his offense.
Another possibility is addressing the position through the NFL Draft, which could give Denver a chance to land a quarterback with greater long-term upside. If the Broncos continue playing at their current level, they will likely be selecting toward the end of the first round. That could put quarterbacks such as Trinidad Chambliss and Drew Mestemaker out of reach.
However, one prospect who could potentially fall to Denver is Dante Moore, whom Bleacher Report has projected to be selected 30th overall. If Moore were still available when the Broncos are on the clock, he would be a difficult prospect for the organization to pass up.
Moore to Moore!
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 19, 2026
The long-ball connection for @oregonfootball extends their lead pic.twitter.com/WmosR9Fmsi
Moore, who is currently sidelined after suffering a severe concussion, was my top-ranked quarterback entering the season. He is a polished passer who can deliver throws from multiple arm angles and possesses the arm strength to attack tight windows and handle the difficult weather conditions Denver can face at Empower Field at Mile High.
There are still concerns about Moore’s ability to consistently read defenses, and he will need to show he can return to full health following his concussion. However, his physical tools and downfield passing ability give him considerable upside. His 30 big-time throws were tied for the most in the FBS, and he led the nation with a 98.5 passing grade on deep throws in 2025.
Denver does not necessarily need to give up on Nix after a disappointing stretch, particularly given his limited NFL experience. However, the Broncos cannot afford to ignore the warning signs if their offense continues to struggle. Whether through a veteran addition or a first-round investment in Moore, Denver should be prepared to explore alternatives if Nix cannot establish himself as the long-term answer at quarterback.
5 potential 2027 NFL Draft targets for the Washington Commanders
Washington is in the middle of another disappointing season, as the Commanders sit at 1-3-1 heading into Monday night's game against San Francisco. If the Commanders want to turn things around and build for the long term, they will need a strong showing in the 2027 NFL Draft. Here are five prospects Washington should take a hard look at.
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
The top player on Washington’s draft board could be Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, who has been nearly unstoppable this season. He is currently tied for the FBS lead with 52 receptions while ranking second with 984 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, all while facing defenses that have made him the primary focus of their game plans. Smith is a big, physical wide receiver who can win contested catches and create mismatches against opposing defensive backs. Pairing him with fellow Ohio State product Terry McLaurin would give Washington an imposing receiving duo and provide its offense with a potential game-changing playmaker.
2. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
If Jeremiah Smith is off the board when Washington is on the clock, and there is a good chance he will be, the Commanders could turn their attention to Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman. Although Coleman’s production has been underwhelming this season, with just 20 receptions, including three catches for 18 yards against Florida last week, his potential remains among the highest in this year’s wide receiver class. Coleman possesses elite agility and body control, allowing him to create separation and make difficult catches look routine. If Washington is picking in the middle of the first round, Coleman could be an intriguing option who offers considerable upside in a receiving corps that could use another dynamic playmaker.
FOUND COLEMAN🤘 pic.twitter.com/KgklQfLIAy
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) October 10, 2026
3. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
If Washington passes on a wide receiver in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft, there is a good chance the Commanders will target a cornerback, as their secondary has struggled this season. One of the top prospects at the position is Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore, a big, physical cornerback who has allowed just eight receptions this season. Moore has the size and coverage ability to help shore up Washington’s secondary and could be a long-term answer at the position. With Rasul Douglas scheduled to become a free agent after the season, Moore would be a logical replacement who could give the Commanders a talented young cornerback to build around.
4. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
Another player Washington could look to replace in its secondary is safety Jeremy Reaves, who is playing on a one-year contract and has yet to establish himself as a reliable full-time starter. One prospect the Commanders could target in the second round is Georgia’s KJ Bolden. Bolden is a fast, aggressive defensive back who brings the range to cover ground in the secondary and the physicality to make plays against the run. He would give Washington a young, versatile safety who could compete for a starting job immediately.
5. Iapani Laloulu, C, Oregon
One of the biggest holes on Washington’s offensive line is at center, where Nick Allegretti has struggled mightily this season and his replacement, Lucas Patrick, has not been much better. Patrick will also be 34 years old next season, making it important for the Commanders to find a long-term solution at the position. One prospect to watch in the 2027 NFL Draft is Oregon’s Iapani Laloulu, who has yet to allow a single pressure this season and earned first-team All-American honors last year.
NFL Draft news and notes
Seahawks could target competition at right tackle
One position the Seattle Seahawks could look to address this offseason is right tackle, currently manned by Abe Lucas. In Seattle’s loss to Denver last Thursday, Lucas allowed two sacks and earned a poor 37.2 pass-blocking grade. Although Lucas is under contract for the next two seasons, his $16 million cap hit next season could make it difficult for the Seahawks to move on from him. Instead, look for Seattle to draft competition at the position. One potential Day 2 target is Kentucky’s Lance Heard, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle who shows good pop off the ball and has been a key contributor to one of the best seasons in Kentucky program history.
Texans could find their missing piece in the 2027 NFL Draft
After starting the season 0-4, the Houston Texans have bounced back to win their last two games, including an impressive victory over division-leading Jacksonville on Sunday. However, their lack of a consistent running game remains a major concern. Starting running back Woody Marks averaged just 3.7 yards per carry on 15 touches, while Houston finished the game with only 114 rushing yards. Those struggles were evident heading into the matchup, as the Texans ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 78.4 yards per game. While some of the blame falls on an offensive line that has struggled to open running lanes, adding a high-caliber running back in the 2027 NFL Draft would be a wise move. One potential target is BYU’s LJ Martin, who could be an intriguing third- or fourth-round option capable of giving Houston’s offense a much-needed boost on the ground.
THIRD touchdown for LJ Martin. He is BALLIN' early for @BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/vFwGvzdtbc
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 20, 2026
Patriots could target a power back on Day 3
Another team that could look to address the running back position in the middle rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft is the New England Patriots. One reason is the possibility of moving on from Rhamondre Stevenson after the season in a move that would create cap space. That decision could make sense given Stevenson’s production this season, as he is averaging just 4.0 yards per carry and managed only 36 yards on 14 carries in the Patriots’ latest game against the Jets. With TreVeyon Henderson also having an injury history, adding a physical power back later in the draft could be a smart move. Missouri’s Jamal Roberts would be an intriguing option. Roberts leads the nation with 867 rushing yards and averages nearly four yards after contact, showcasing his ability to break tackles and gain tough yards. Despite that production, he remains a late-round prospect in many draft projections, with NFL Mock Draft Database still listing him as an undrafted free agent. That could make him an appealing value pick for New England.
Rams' kicking game has become a major concern
The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments this season. After entering the year as a Super Bowl favorite, Los Angeles sits at 2-4 following an embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals, one of the league’s worst teams. One issue contributing to the slow start has been the team’s field goal kicking, as Harrison Mevis went just 5-for-9 in his first five games, including 3-for-7 from beyond 40 yards. The Rams released Mevis this past week and brought in Blake Grupe, who was injured during the loss to Arizona. If Grupe cannot establish himself as a reliable option, Los Angeles should consider adding competition at the position. One potential target is Northwestern’s Jackson Kleather, who has converted 86 percent of his field goal attempts over the past year and a half, including five of eight from beyond 50 yards, with a long of 56 yards. If the Rams acquire a seventh-round pick, using it on Kleather could be a smart move. Otherwise, pursuing him as an undrafted free agent would give Los Angeles another option at a position that has become a significant concern.
