The Broncos’ first opening-round pick in three years comes when the franchise needs to address the future of the quarterback position. With the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, it’s unlikely the Broncos will be able to draft Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels unless head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton get aggressive and trade up.
Quarterbacks like Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy will most likely be available at No. 12. But are those quarterbacks worth taking in the middle of the first round? Maybe the Broncos don’t target a quarterback with their top pick and add another cornerback, edge rusher, or offensive tackle instead.
In this seven-round mock draft, I explore the possibility of the Broncos making a couple of trades to acquire more draft picks while gaining reinforcements on defense.
First round (No. 19 via Los Angeles Rams)
DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
Trade: Denver trades the No. 12 pick to the Rams for No. 19, No. 52 and No. 153
Why: There’s a good chance Nix will be available at No. 19, but Denver decides to give the defense a much-needed boost. Last season, the Broncos’ defensive line struggled to generate consistent pressure. Even though Newton is considered undersized for his position, he is disruptive. Newton became the first Illinois player to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 29 years after he totaled 52 tackles and 7 ½ sacks. He will be a major upgrade up front for the Broncos.
Second Round (No. 52 via Rams)
WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Why: Corley draws comparisons to 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel because of his size — 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds — and yards-after-catch ability. Corley totaled 2,277 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons. As a junior, he had 79 receptions for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns while generating 683 yards after catch. Denver struggled to utilize its wide receivers in the screen game. Corley could help with that problem.
Third Round (No. 81 via New Orleans)
EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
Why: The Broncos continue to address their pass rush. Robinson was named first-team All-SEC after recording 43 tackles and 8 ½ sacks in his fifth season with the Tigers. He can line up as an outside linebacker or put his hands into the ground as a defensive end. Robinson has power, explosiveness and great size, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 286 pounds.
Fourth Round (No. 103 via Patriots)
QB Michael Pratt, Tulane
Trade: Denver trades wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to New England for the No. 103 pick.
Why: The Broncos take Pratt in the fourth round, hoping he could develop into one of the biggest steals in the 2024 draft. Pratt has experience, as he started in 68 games while totaling 7,196 yards and 68 touchdown passes in four seasons at Tulane. He is accurate, completing 65.4% of his pass attempts in 2024, and can make plays with his legs if needed.
Fourth Round (No. 121 via Miami)
CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon
Why: At 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, Jackson has excellent size for a cornerback. A Maryland native, Jackson is a journeyman, playing at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas followed by two seasons at Alabama before transferring to Oregon, where he shone. Jackson held quarterbacks to a 41.6 passer rating, according to Pro Football Focus. He also had 34 tackles, seven passes defended and two sacks.
Fifth Round (No. 143)
OT Javon Foster, Missouri
Why: Garett Bolles is 31 and entering the final year of his contract, so it’s time for the Broncos to look toward the future at the left tackle position. Foster was one of the top tackles in the nation in 2023, as he was named third-team All-American and first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a sack in 904 offensive snaps (449 pass block snaps).
Fifth Round (No. 145)
TE Dallin Holker, Colorado State
Why: The Broncos are high on tight end Greg Dulcich. However, the former UCLA has dealt with hamstring issues since entering the league. Holker is a reliable pass catcher and could be a threat in the red zone. In Holker’s lone season at Colorado State, he tied the program record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end with six. Holker also averaged 12 yards per catch and had 80-plus receiving yards in five games.
Fifth Round (No. 153 via Rams)
OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington
Why: Denver adds more depth to its offensive line. Rosengarten, a former Valor Christian standout, started 28 games at right tackle. Rosengarten could be useful in pass protection, as he didn’t allow a sack this past season.
Sixth Round (No. 209 via San Francisco)
RB Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
Javonte Williams is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Not only that, but Samaje Perine will be a free agent in 2025. Gore, the son of former 49ers running back Frank Gore, was a dominant player in the backfield for the Golden Eagles, totaling 1,131 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. In 2022, Gore rushed for 1,382 yards and averaged 11.5 yards per carry.
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