Denver improves its defensive line and loses a valuable offensive talent in the Broncos mock draft.
The Broncos to adneed dress the quarterback issue going forward, and so they will be selecting their first opening-round choice in three years. The Broncos’ chances of drafting Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, or Drake Maye with the No. 12 choice in the 2024 NFL Draft are slim unless general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton act aggressively and trade up.
Quarterbacks at No. 12 are projected to include Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy. However, do those quarterbacks warrant a mid-round selection? Perhaps the Broncos decide to add an offensive tackle, edge rusher, or cornerback with their first choice rather than pursue a quarterback.
In this mock draft with seven rounds, I investigate the potential for the
Denver gives the Rams the No. 12 selection in exchange for the Nos. 19, 52, and 153.
Why: Denver chooses to give the defense a much-needed boost, even if there’s a high possibility Nix will be available at No. 19. The Broncos’ defensive line had trouble applying steady pressure throughout the previous campaign. Newton is disruptive even though he is thought to be small for his position. With 52 tackles and 7 ½ sacks, Newton became the first Illinois player to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 29 years. He will provide the Broncos with a significant up front improvement.
Second Round (Rams, No. 52)
Why? Because of his stature (5 feet 11 inches and 215 pounds) and yards after the catch skills, Corley is compared to 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Over the previous two seasons, Corley amassed 2,277 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. He generated 683 yards after catch on 79 catches for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Denver found it difficult to use its wide receivers in the passing game. Corley might assist in solving the issue.
Round Three (No. 81 through New Orleans)
LINKED PAGE
What the Broncos’ pursuit of a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft showed during Senior Bowl practices
Journal of the Broncos: evaluating a few standouts from Senior Bowl training and their potential fit in Denver
After switching from wide receiver to quarterback and back, Luke McCaffrey is composed.
Why? At 203 pounds and 6 feet 3 inches, Jackson is a very good-sized cornerback. Jackson, a journeyman who was born in Maryland, played for two seasons at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, then transferred to Oregon, where he excelled. Per Pro Football Focus, Jackson limited quarterbacks to a 41.6 passing rating. In addition, he recorded 34 tackles, two sacks, and seven passes defensed.
Round Five (No. 143)
Missourian Javon Foster, OT
Why: With Garett Bolles turning 31 and about to begin his last season, the Broncos should start planning for the future at left tackle. Foster was recognized as one of the best tackles in the country in 2023 after being selected to the first team All-SEC and third team All-American by the
Fifth Round (via Rams, No. 153).
OT Washington’s Roger Rosengarten
Why: Denver’s offensive line now has greater depth. At right tackle, Rosengarten, a former standout for Valor Christian, started 28 games. Given that he didn’t allow a sack during the previous season, Rosengarten may be helpful in pass protection.
Sixth Round (via San Francisco with No. 209)
Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr.
Javonte Williams’ rookie contract is about to expire. In addition, Samaje Perine will have unrestricted free agency in 2025. Gore, the son of legendary 49ers running back Frank Gore, led the Golden Eagles in 2023 with 1,131 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns as a powerful backfield player. Gore averaged 11.5 yards per carry in 2022 while rushing for 1,382 yards.
