The Denver Broncos’ first wave of free agency is over.
Team needs have been filled and other roster holes have been created. A ton of free agency signings and big name trades have occurred. Difference makers such as new Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen have been traded, along with draft pick trades between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings gives us a new look at how April 25th may play out.
So, with all of that in mind, let’s take a look at how the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft could play out for the Denver Broncos.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
There is no doubt that Caleb Williams will be headed to Chicago, especially following the Bears trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
General manager Ryan Poles has already begun adding weapons to support the new franchise quarterback, by trading for Keenan Allen and signing both D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett. Those three will upgrade a supporting cast that already featured playmakers D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet. Williams will have an arsenal come next season.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: As much as Williams would be a dream come true for Denver, considering the tremendous quarterback prospect he is and the Broncos’ equally large need at the position, but that’s all it is — a dream.
2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
With a completely new regime in Washington, it’s easy to assume that they are ready to start a new era. What better way to do that then to select the reigning Heisman Trophy winner?
With the trade of Sam Howell to Seattle, Washington will be drafting their new franchise quarterback, and there seems to be enough doubt around Drake Maye that Jayden Daniels could easily be the pick here.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Along with Williams, Daniels is just too far up the board for Denver to even think about. It would be an excellent answer to the void at quarterback, but it just seems to unrealistic, unfortunately.
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Although the Patriots have been a team talked about looking to trade back, sticking and picking the quarterback of the future seems like an easy choice. They signed their bridge and mentor, in Jacoby Brissett, who can hold down the fort while Maye develops for as much as a year. Even though he’s the third quarterback off the board, New England should still be ecstatic to have their guy.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: While Maye falling down draft boards was a hot topic, by the time the draft comes Maye should settle in as a top-three pick and once again be outside of Denver’s range. There’s just no reason teams should be overthinking Maye to this degree come draft day.
4. Projected Trade (ARI) – Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
After losing Kirk Cousins in free agency, the quarterback position became Minnesota’s biggest need. J.J. McCarthy will become Minnesota’s guy and Sam Darnold is a perfect bridge piece for Kevin O’Connell to hold down the fort have while their 21-year old develops.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: McCarthy has been rumored a lot to be headed to Denver, but with lack of draft capital and a rebuild starting, the Vikings can easily outbid the Broncos. So, in this mock, Denver is still left awaiting their future quarterback with the top four off the board.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
After the release of Mike Williams and the trade of Keenan Allen, the wide receiver room for the Chargers gets pretty scary. With four quarterbacks going before the fifth pick, Harbaugh sprints to the podium to get their new No. 1 wide receiver in this dream scenario for Los Angeles and nightmare scenario for Denver.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: As much fun as watching PS2 vs. MHJ will be twice a year, you never want to see a division rival get phenomenal talent at a premium position of need like this. MHJ truly was never an option for the Broncos, but one would at least hope he doesn’t land with Justin Herbert.
6. New York Giants – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Rome Odunze vs. Malik Nabers debate could go either way, but with the Giants lacking a true X receiver, New York lands a perfect wide receiver for the future in Odunze. While there is still a question at quarterback, Rome steps in as New York’s No. 1 offensive weapon from day one.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Broncos Country would be thrilled to get a talent like Odunze after the departure of Jerry Jeudy, but trading up for a wide receiver is a luxury this team doesn’t have considering their limited amount of premium capital, the stage of the rebuild they’re in, and the overall depth of talent in this receiver class. Denver could miss out all of the top first-round pass-catchers and still find a bonafide stud on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.
7. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
After the signing of Calvin Ridley, the offensive tackle vs. wide receiver debate becomes nonexistent with this pick, and Joe Alt becomes the blind-side protector to second-year quarterback Will Levis. New head coach Brian Callahan knows the value of strong offensive line play firsthand, from his time in Cincinnati and from being raised by one of the most legendary line coaches ever. Plus, left tackle was already a priority for the Titans, so Callahan gets the best tackle in the class.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Alt would be an easy pick for Denver to make should he get to No. 12, but there is almost no chance of that. The Broncos are in a solid position at tackle for now, and again, with the lack of assets trading up for Alt isn’t a consideration. Much like wide receiver, tackle is very deep this year, so jettisoning additional assets for one isn’t sensible given Denver’s present timeline.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Atlanta hasn’t been shy this offseason — adding Kirk Cousins and plenty of weapons around him. With these additions, the offense is ready to compete for the NFC South crown, and Atlanta looks to add talent to the defense with the best defensive player in the class.
With the lack of sack numbers last year, the Falcons answer that need with the freaky Dallas Turner coming off the edge .
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Edge is a need for Denver, but it would take a lot for Turner to fall to No. 12. Pass rushers with his rare traits rarely fall out of the top-10 picks. That said, with all the offensive talent in this class, it isn’t completely out of the question.
9. Chicago Bears – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Even though Chicago traded for star WR Keenan Allen, with only one year left on his current deal, pass-catcher remains an option here, especially with a unique talent like Nabers still available. A little slip for Nabers is ended as Chicago opts to have one of the best wide receiver trios in the league with Allen, Moore, and Nabers to go along with new franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: It would be amazing if Nabers fell a little further. It would almost certainly mean that Denver either selects him or finds a trade partner that wants to add the speedster, providing the Broncos with Day 2 pick in return for moving down. Either option would be extremely desirable, but, unfortunately, Nabers is likely long gone by then.
10. New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
New York added Morgan Moses via trade and signed Tyron Smith in free agency. The hole at tackle has been addressed for this year and the Jets adding one of the best tight end prospects in history to Aaron Rodgers’ arsenal makes too much sense. Outside Garrett Wilson, the Jets pass catchers leave a lot to be desired, and they’re in Super Bowl-or-bust mode this season.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Bowers is another name that could easily find himself in the Mile High City. The tight end room is lacking a difference maker in Denver, and the Broncos’ decision makers have repeatedly made public statements about upgrading the room. Sean Payton could find a building block in Bowers but he doesn’t make it to their selection here.
11. Projected Trade (MIN) – Arizona Cardinals – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
After moving back in the draft and adding some additional picks, the Cardinals are still able to add an amazing talent with Brian Thomas Jr. at 11. Wide receiver is a huge need for Arizona and trading back with Marvin Harrison Jr. still on the board won’t be easy, but this is still a great outcome for the franchise. Arizona adds to the wide receiver room while gaining draft capital to help a deficient roster.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Brian Thomas Jr. could easily be on the board when Denver picks and if they want to upgrade the wide receiver room, Thomas Jr. could be their most likely avenue towards doing so. But, in this scenario, he goes just before Denver is on the clock, pushing other talent down the board.
12. Projected Trade (DEN) – Cincinnati Bengals – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Bengals are not a team that loves trading up in the first round, but Joe Burrow has pushed them to make multiple moves that were previously unprecedented for the franchise. Here we see them move up to solidify the right tackle need with the explosive Taliese Fuaga. Fuaga comes in and Cincinnati is now set at both tackle spots with Burrow coming off his second long-term injury.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Although Fuaga is definitely on Denver’s radar, it seems that if Denver can’t get one of the top four quarterbacks, they will look to trade back. The Bengals offer up a third-round pick (80th overall) to get the deal done, and the Broncos accept, with the trade-down market looking especially dry without one of those top quarterbacks available. Cincinnati is a perfect suitor because they don’t move too far back, but still add capital to address other needs. For what it’s worth, modern draft trade value charts would score this deal as a win for the Broncos.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
After getting jumped for Fuaga, with the top four quarterbacks gone, the Raiders should be zeroed in on selecting a corner at No. 13. They get to decide who the top corner in the draft is and set their sights on the athletic talent out of Toledo. Quinyon Mitchell has dominated every stage of the pre-draft process and it wouldn’t be surprising if that results with him being the top corner off the board.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Mitchell could be the selection at No. 12 for Denver to pair up with Pat Surtain II, but they can’t count on him being on the board after trading back to the 18th pick.
14. New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
While right tackle is set for at least this season with Ramcyzk, Trevor Penning’s status is uncertain at best, considering his struggles through his first two seasons. The former first-rounder has floundered to start out his career, so the Saints will look to add to the offensive line and should be thrilled with the talent of Fashanu dropping to No. 14.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Fashanu is one of the prospects Denver would be hoping drops to No. 18, which would allow them to move off of Garrett Bolles. Saving money and adding a top tackle could certainly happen, but Fashanu won’t make it to No. 18 here.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
The Colts found success in the 2023 draft finding their franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson. Adding another key position to their rebuild, in the first round of this draft, at edge, with Jared Verse, is a home run for the Colts. Corner could also be an option here if the L’Jarius Sneed trade falls through.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: The Jared Verse vs. Laiatu Latu question is a tough one to answer and it’s very uncertain which one of them will be off the board first. Denver could easily find themselves taking either of those players. In this scenario, that decision is made for them, as Verse is gone before Denver is back on the clock.
16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Fautanu doesn’t have to move far to find himself playing under Ryan Grubb yet again. Fautanu is a perfect fit for Seattle, as a player with the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line, joining a line with questions almost everywhere. Seattle is likely set at tackle, although last season’s performances from their tandem raised questions. Ultimately, Fautanu is too valuable of a piece to pass up on at No. 16.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: At this point, Fautanu would likely be the selection if he were to make it two more spots to Denver’s next pick. He is a unique prospect that would likely be loved by any offensive line coach, and it’s easy to imagine Zach Strief having a field day. In this reality, the Broncos would have to be a little upset that they missed on Fautanu.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Secondary is the biggest need for Jacksonville after adding to the offensive line and wide receiver room in free agency. With this pick they look towards the defense and select the top Alabama corner to play alongside Tyson Campbell, giving them a young lockdown tandem for the future.
What it means for the Denver Broncos: Denver had success looking at Alabama to fill their corner needs with PS2, but Arnold is off the board before Denver has that option again at No. 18. Arnold and the cornerback position would definitely
18. Projected Trade (CIN) – Denver Broncos – Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
After trading down from No. 12 to pick up some additional mid-round capital, it’s likely Denver would attempt to trade down again with the right offer, but in this scenario they just can’t find a partner.
This leaves the Broncos with strong options at tackle, like Amarius Mims, and JC Latham available at No. 18, but Denver won’t pass up on the talented edge-rusher out of UCLA. By selecting Latu, they lock in a key building block at one of the game’s most important positions for their future.
They also have better answers at tackle right now than they do at edge-rusher.
Latu’s flexibility and bend, along with his smoothness and violent hands is hard not to fall in love with, but his major concern is the injury history he sustained while in college. Although he was cleared at the NFL Scouting Combine, longevity is still a concern for Latu.
