Welcome to a comprehensive discussion on the Denver Broncos 2024 NFL Draft strategy. As the current season unfolds, it's hard not to look ahead and imagine what the future might hold for this storied franchise. Let's dive in.
The Denver Broncos are facing a challenging season. Despite having the efficient Russell Wilson under center, the team's record may not reflect the effort invested on the field. The offense shows promise, but the defense leaves much to be desired, marking a surprising turn for a franchise historically known for its strong defense.
The Denver Broncos may be at a turning point. The idea of a rebuild, which should have been initiated a year ago, is more relevant now than ever. The 2024 NFL Draft could be the ideal starting point for an ultimately timed, well-situated and necessary transformation.
Denver Broncos set up nicely for a rebuild through the draft and free agency
With Sean Payton at the helm, backed by the newly acquired Walmart Money, and seemingly the No.1 overall pick in 2024, now is the best time to blow the team up. Some trades need to be made, though. Keep Jerry Juedy, Patrick Surtain II and Javonte Williams. The rest of the team goes to any team that wants them
Two big trades must be made before the trade deadline and will cost the Broncos a lot of money this year. It is okay to eat the salaries and guarantees of Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons this year and get them off the books and free future cap space.
The Jets would happily give the Broncos their 3rd round pick for Wilson right now, but the closer we get to the deadline, the worse the Jets playoff chances get.
Next, Justin Simmons to the Miami Dolphins to secure their backfield for a 3rd round pick will also work if Denver eats most of his contract.
Lastly, package OG Ben Powell and LB Jose Jewell in the final year of his contract to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 3rd and a 6th pick.
This will give the Denver Broncos the No. 1 in the first, four additional third-round picks, and two fourths.
With the No. 1 overall selection, the Denver Broncos select Caleb Williams, Quarterback USC. This a no-brainer; there hasn't been this clear of a franchise-changing QB since Trevor Lawrence, Andrew Luck, or Frank Cushman.
Standing at 6'1" and 218 lbs, 21-year-old Williams started his career at Oklahoma, taking over the Sooners' quarterback position from Spencer Rattler. He followed head coach Lincoln Riley to USC in 2021 and won the Heisman Trophy that year, throwing for 4,357 yards, 42 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Williams has established himself as a top NFL quarterback prospect with two consecutive seasons of 9.1 yards per passing attempt, a pass-efficiency rating over 168.5, and numerous electrifying plays.
His arm skill allows him to make accurate passes to all areas of the field quickly and is consistent in his ball placement, allowing his teammates to maximize their opportunities. Williams also displays great ability outside of the structure of the offense, being able to read the defenders' leverage and angles and capitalize on them.
He is adept at protecting the ball and can create big plays even when his offensive line is struggling. Additionally, he can move around the pocket with agility and keep his eyes downfield while searching for open receivers. His quickness allows him to scramble, but he does not need to rely on his legs to move the chains. He is Denver's next outstanding QB and could surpass John Elway as the best Broncos QB of all time if this rebuild goes to plan.
With the selection acquired in the Sean Payton-pick swap in the third round, the Denver Broncos select Johnny Wilson, WR/TE, Florida State. Payton loves multi-faceted offensive tools with explosive talent. Wilson is Taylor made for a Payton offense.
Johnny Wilson, a wide receiver from Florida State, is a massive asset to the passing game. His size gives him a power-forward style frame and a great catch radius, allowing the quarterback some wiggle room regarding man coverage. Wilson has excellent ball skills and is looking to refine the rest of his game, which should make him one of the most dominant college receivers this year. His height does make it difficult to sink and have flexibility when running routes, and he may need to expand his route tree.
He lacks elite speed when attempting to separate and can be slow to decelerate, but His broad hands can create instability when trying to catch, and he can be late to put his hands in the right spot. He attempts body catches, which can cause passes to slip through his frame, and sometimes plays too lopsided into physical coverage. His blocking tenacity is admirable, yet it can lead to a lack of control. These reasons are why he will be a third-round draft steal.
In a trade with the New York Jets, the Denver Broncos acquired this third-round pick, which they use to select Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona. It's time to beef up the line for Williams; Morgan will be a low-key anchor for years in Denver.
Jordan Morgan was a consensus three-star recruit as a shot put thrower in track and field. His physical and aggressive style of play stands out, as he uses his hips to make contact with defenders and washes them out of run-blocking sequences.
In his game against Cameron Thomas, he showed his ability to keep rushers in check with his length and punch placement. His athleticism is also noticeable, especially when pulling on screens and running plays. His hands are exceptionally proficient, as he can combat and reset during combative sequences while latching and controlling his opponents. He also has decent feet for an offensive lineman of his size, allowing him to mirror rushers and absorb power while anchoring with his lower body.
In a trade with the JacksonvilleJaguars, the Denver Broncos acquired this third-round pick, which they use to select Curtis Jacobs, LB Penn St.
Curtis Jacobs is an agile athlete with the mobility and agility to be an influential WILL linebacker when transitioning between the base defense and subpackage groups. During the 2021 season with the Nittany Lions' defense, he made an impact in coverage and as a gap defender from both depth and off the edge.
His ability to identify when to drop into gaps and when to surge off the edge was instrumental in his seven tackles for loss. His long speed and scrape range are remarkable, and he should be a capable pursuit defender from the back side of formations. Furthermore, his quickness and suddenness give him an advantage in short-yardage defending.
With the last pick in the 2024 NFL draft's 3rd round, the Denver Broncos select Brenden Rice, WR USC. Rice in NFL HOF progeny, and Caleb Williams's favorite touchdown target at USC.
Rice's height and foot speed make him an intriguing prospect for the NFL. He can make plays with the ball in his hands and has the agility to play as a wide-out or a slot receiver. He needs to demonstrate more consistency in his last year of college and prove that he is a route technician instead of relying on improvisation.
Rice is a draftable talent with a mid-Day 3 grade going into the season; his explosiveness and distinct characteristics for his size make him someone who should be rostered and given a chance to develop.
PLAY 3: @BrendenRice extends into the end zone for the score pic.twitter.com/qJXTbUEol7
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) September 30, 2023
It will take a year in 2024 of bumps and growing Payne for this band of pucks to mesh. It will likely result in the Broncos' high in the top 5 of the 2025 draft, where they can add the missing piece to this dynasty rebuild: Colorado's Travis Hunter.
Editor’s Note: The Broncos do not own their own third-round pick, but Denver does possess the Saints’ third-round pick. The mock draft has been updated to reflect such.