The Denver Broncos' strategy for the 2024 NFL Draft is the talk of the town, with speculation swirling around their first-round pick. The Broncos hold the 12th overall pick, and the buzz in the mock draft community is diverse, reflecting Denver's multifaceted needs and strategic directions they could take.
Mel Kiper Jr. from ESPN has boarded the J.J. McCarthy train, suggesting the Broncos might opt for the Michigan quarterback, a choice echoed by other national sites. Meanwhile, CBS Sports diverges, predicting Denver might snag a corner from Alabama, hinting at a defensive bolster rather than an offensive shake-up. Adding to the mix, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah thinks an edge rusher from Florida State could be on the Broncos' radar.
The quarterback debate continues with Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt seeing a fit in Oregon QB Bo Nix for Denver, while ESPN's Field Yates also champions McCarthy as a significant pick for the Broncos. Pro Football Focus raises the stakes, suggesting the Broncos could make a daring move up to select North Carolina passer Drake Maye.
FanSided's mock draft, however, envisions a rebuilding era starting with Maye as the cornerstone at quarterback. This indicates a strong sentiment towards securing a franchise quarterback, a move deemed non-negotiable by some analysts given the uncertainties surrounding Russell Wilson's future with the team.
On the other hand, Pro Football Network offers a different perspective, forecasting the Broncos to pick wide receiver Rome Odunze from Washington with their first-round selection. They also see Tulane's quarterback Michael Pratt as a valuable addition in the third round, hinting at a later round fix for the quarterback conundrum.
The variety in these predictions underscores the Broncos' open-ended approach to the draft, balancing immediate needs against long-term strategic fits. Whether Denver will prioritize shoring up its defense, securing a future quarterback, or enhancing its receiver corps remains a hot topic, keeping fans and analysts on the edge of their seats as the draft approaches.