Mel Kiper Jr. predicts Denver Broncos add dynamic defender in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos need a whole lot of things entering the NFL Draft. That includes a quarterback after the team cut Russell Wilson.

However, because the Broncos pick 12th, it may be difficult for them to snag one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft class. They can try to trade up, but it would take a whole lot of draft capital to move from No. 12 into the top five.

That’s why ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. expects Denver to go in a completely different direction with its first-round pick, predicting that the Broncos will select Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

Kiper says that Mitchell is his top-ranked cornerback and thinks that it would strongly behoove Denver to put him alongside of Patrick Surtain II in its secondary.

Mitchell is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he registered 41 tackles, an interception and 18 passes defended.

The 22-year-old spent four years at Toledo but didn’t really get significant playing time until his second season, when he recorded 34 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and eight passes defended. He then had a breakout year in 2022, racking up 41 tackles, five picks, 19 passes defended and a couple of defensive touchdowns.

The Broncos ranked 22nd in the NFL in passing defense this past season, so they certainly need to address that issue heading into 2024.

Ironically enough, some have suggested that Denver should actually trade Surtain, who has two years remaining on his deal. The logic behind that reasoning is that the Broncos will not be ready to win over the next couple of seasons and should move Surtain now while his value is at its highest.

But maybe Denver will go Kiper’s route and double down at the cornerback position.