2024 NFL Draft: What Is Best Option For Broncos?

The Denver Broncos find themselves at an interesting crossroads. Following Sean Payton‘s first season as the head coach, Denver has had a quiet offseason. Except for the most important position. Russell Wilson was released, which did not come as a major shock, overall. However, the Broncos felt more than ready to move on from him, so much so that they took a historic dead cap hit to do so.

The Broncos only quarterbacks on the roster are currently Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. Many believe Denver could draft a new signal caller in around four weeks, as a result. But at the same time, this team is lacking heavily in star power and in foundational cornerstones. Does that make drafting a quarterback less of a slam dunk for Denver? And finally, the Broncos enter the 2024 NFL Draft with only two picks in the top 120 selections, as of now.

With that in mind, what is the best option for the Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft? Should they attack aggressively to get their new passer? Or, is Denver better off building around the quarterback position with as many new pieces as possible? Let’s kick it off.

How Will Broncos Ride QB Carousel?

Since Peyton Manning retired with the Broncos, Denver has had 12 different quarterbacks start at least one game in eight seasons. The list includes a great mix of career backups, draft picks who never sniffed their potential and passers who were a shell of themselves after great runs elsewhere. That begs the question, how will the Broncos choose to ride their own quarterback carousel moving forward?

Denver has had a long, winding path to find their next true long-term passer. And of course, that actual answer has failed to resonate. Does that make it wise to invest in yet another young quarterback with an early draft pick? Sometimes, the constant swing of the bat can work eventually. We also know that Payton is not afraid to trot out literally anyone to lead his offense, to boot.

If Denver does indeed choose to draft a quarterback in April, a plethora of options could end up making sense. It may be tough to trade up for one of the top three or four passers. But with this franchise and coach Payton, nothing should be ruled out. Outside of those top three or four names, all of Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler and Michael Pratt could be viable names to watch within the first two days of the draft. If they draft someone this year or not, the Broncos may still opt to give Stidham a shot in what is looking like another transition year in Denver.

Denver Could Use More Stability In Premium Positions

If the Broncos choose to avoid adding a quarterback in this upcoming draft, building other premium positions would be beneficial. In the trenches, specifically, this Denver squad has some questions at pass rusher and at offensive tackle. There is not really anything that jumps out on the pass rush depth chart, in terms of scaring opponents. No offense is really worrying about the blitzers attempting to come their way. Meanwhile, more offensive tackle options could be key moving forward, as Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey continue to get older.

You could argue that both wide receiver and cornerback need more proven talent, as well. Both spots offer a top man, in Courtland Sutton and Patrick Surtain II on each side of the ball. Yet, are there really any trustworthy options in those positions behind them? Given the type of division the Broncos find themselves in within the AFC West, Denver cannot just hope that those spots are good enough entering 2024.

Top Option To Trade Back?

While Denver felt like a possible trade-up candidate in the first round, they may be overtaken by the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings recently acquired the 23rd overall pick from the Houston Texans, giving Minnesota two first rounders and more ammo to possibly trade up from 11 overall. That is one reason as to why the Broncos may not trade up in round one, after getting jumped, essentially.

Furthermore, the Broncos just do not have draft capital to match other teams in what they could offer for Denver to move up. As mentioned earlier, this team only has two selections in the top 120 picks. After 12 overall, the Broncos do not pick again until 76 overall in round three. In the end, they are without a second-round pick, which belongs to the New Orleans Saints. That swap with New Orleans is part of the trade that allowed them to acquire Payton as head coach.

With this draft offering plenty of options at offensive line, defensive line and cornerback potentially around 12 overall, many teams may want to jump up to get their preferred piece in round one. If the Broncos believe they need more time to develop a new foundation, trading back may be one of their best options to stockpile more assets.