The Denver Broncos head into the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft with a sense of urgency. Last season, Russell Wilson and the Broncos floundered to an 8-9 record. Despite head coach Sean Payton’s efforts to resurrect Wilson’s career, he never found his footing. While there are strong prospects in 2024, Payton needs to shift his attention to 2025.
The quarterback position is the most important in football. In the case of the Denver Broncos, having an experienced signal caller is crucial to their success.
Denver Broncos Strike Gold
From John Elway to Peyton Manning, there is a rich history of elite quarterbacks who have called Denver home. Unfortunately, there have been a number of flameouts as well. Russell Wilson is the latest quarterback to see his tenure as a Bronco come to an end. With Wilson now a Pittsburgh Steeler, the Broncos will start their 13th different quarterback in 2024.
On April 23, the Broncos acquired Zach Wilson from the New York Jets via trade. While Wilson has the capability to be a reliable quarterback in the Mile High City, he is not the long-term solution. In fact, Payton will have to wait until 2025 to unveil the next franchise quarterback of the Broncos.
University of Colorado Boulder quarterback Shedeur Sanders has emerged as one of the nation’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. If Paton decides not to draft Bo Nix or J.J. McCarthy this year, Sanders would be an attractive option for the Broncos next year.
NFL-Caliber Quarterback
When Shedeur Sanders arrived at CU Boulder alongside his father, he made an immediate impact. During the 2023 season, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. Furthermore, he completed almost 70% of his passes.
Despite the Buffs finishing 4-8, Sanders proved that he has the skill set to succeed in the NFL. The key to his success at the next level will be avoiding the rush. Last season, the Texas native was sacked 52 times, an NCAA-high. However, when given the time to throw, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the Pac-12 last season.
When the Buffs return to the Big XII this fall, Shedeur Sanders has an opportunity to improve his draft stock. “Grown” is already viewed as one of college football’s most electrifying quarterbacks.
In the upcoming 2024 season, he is going to prove that he has more to offer. If all goes according to plan, he will be on the Broncos’ radar in 2025. With a potential trio of Bo Nix, Zach Wilson, and Sanders, the Denver Broncos will be contenders in the AFC West yet again.
Denver Broncos Solve Quarterback Conundrum
The Denver Broncos have belief that they will find their franchise quarterback in 2024. Unfortunately, J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, and Michael Penix Jr. could be off the board before the Broncos are on the clock.
With the 12th overall pick, general manager George Paton needs to select the best player available. While it is feasible that Zach Wilson works out, Shedeur Sanders is NFL-ready now. It would behoove Denver to hold off on drafting a quarterback until 2025.
As far as the 2024 season is concerned, experts don’t expect the Broncos to compete for a playoff spot. Similar to last season, the Kansas City Chiefs are favored to win their third consecutive Super Bowl next February. In order for Payton’s team to challenge the Chiefs, they need a player of Shedeur Sanders’ caliber.
Currently seen as the third-best quarterback prospect this season, Sanders has a bright NFL future. As for Payton and the Broncos, they need to address their quarterback issue soon. With Sanders sporting the orange and blue in 2025, the Broncos will be contenders. In a few seasons, the Denver Broncos will be in line to win their fourth Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
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