The Denver Broncos are looking to turn a corner in 2024. Last season, CEO Greg Penner named Sean Payton the 20th head coach in franchise history. Given his successful head coaching tenure with the New Orleans Saints, there was a new sense of hope in the Mile High City.
Unfortunately, quarterback Russell Wilson and the Broncos struggled down the stretch. Wilson is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. With eight picks at his disposal, general manager George Paton needs to assemble a strong draft class this year. Finding the franchise’s next quarterback in 2024 will be crucial in establishing a winning culture in Denver.
Denver Broncos Draft Need: Quarterback
In 2022, the Denver Broncos traded for quarterback Russell Wilson. Unfortunately, Wilson’s tenure as a Bronco was ultimately considered a failure. Despite the Broncos signing offensive weapon Josh Reynolds this offseason, their lack of an experienced quarterback remains an issue. Ben DiNucci and Jarrett Stidham are the only quarterbacks who remain from last season.
However, only Stidham saw action as he appeared in six games and threw for almost 500 yards. In 2024, Payton’s team will need a player of Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s caliber to compete in the AFC West. If the Broncos can stabilize the quarterback position, they could be the surprise team in the AFC next season.
Denver Broncos Bolster Receiving Corps
This season, the Denver Broncos have only one tight end who has more than three years of NFL experience. 27-year-old Adam Trautman is entering his fourth NFL season this year. Despite tallying 22 receptions for 204 yards, Trautman and the rest of the Broncos receiving corps were one of the worst units last season.
Drafting Georgia Bulldog Brock Bowers will bolster Payton’s receiving corps in 2024. Having run a 4.53 40-yard dash during private workouts, he is on many team radars including the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets. In order for the Broncos to put an end to their nine-year playoff drought in 2024, they need bigger and faster receivers.
Denver Broncos Strengthen Defense
When the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50 in 2016, a tenacious defense anchored by Von Miller led the way. Since trading him to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, their defensive play has suffered. Selecting Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell will strengthen the Broncos’ pass defense this fall.
As long as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs continue dominating the AFC, the Broncos will need to have one of the top defensive units in the NFL. Mitchell is a dynamic defender who could help the Broncos end the Chiefs’ reign atop the NFL. If he can anticipate receiver routes better, he will help Denver’s defense be elite in 2024.
Denver Broncos Gain Edge Strength
During their “Orange Crush” glory days, the Denver Broncos fielded one of the most celebrated defenses in the NFL. Linebackers Tom Jackson and Randy Gradishar in particular headlined their dominant defenses of the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, the Broncos have struggled on the defensive end as of late.
Florida State defensive lineman Jared Verse could provide a spark defensively for Payton’s team in 2024. He is well-adept at converting speed into power and is efficient at shedding blocks. If the Broncos draft him, Verse has the potential to blossom into an elite NFL pass-rusher.
The Denver Broncos have been in NFL purgatory for the past few seasons. If Paton and the front office can nail the 2024 NFL Draft, the Broncos will be playoff-bound next season.
About The Author
Christopher Svancara has been a passionate fan of basketball, baseball, and football since he was young. He also has a passion for expressing himself through his writing. His favorite aspect of writing about sports is uncovering the hidden stories about players and teams. As a Colorado native and an alumnus of the University of Colorado Boulder, Svancara developed a passion for a variety of Colorado sports teams. His favorite teams are the Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, and Denver Nuggets. He loves to attend sporting events to watch the drama unfold in person. Sharing the excitement of these moments with his readers is what motivates him to be a sports writer for Total Apex Sports.
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