2024 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos’ biggest needs

What positions do the Broncos need to address first?

The Denver Broncos head into the 2024 NFL Draft in need of major help at a couple of positions, as well as some less major, but still much needed help at another couple positions as well. It will be a challenge to address every one of those positions in this draft as Denver only hold two picks for days one and two. They do have a total of eight picks, but the majority of them are 5th and 6th rounders. This means they’ll have to prioritize one main position, and pending any trades, they’ll have to settle on their other needs. So, who should they primarily aim for?

Quarterback

We all know that the Broncos are in need of a quarterback. The main question is: Who is going to be left by the time the 12th pick rolls around? Most mock drafts have Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy off of the board within the first 10 picks. This would leave just Michael Penix, Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler, Jordan Travis, and Michael Pratt. The likely choices for Denver are, of course, Penix and Nix.

Denver will likely have to make a move on draft night if they want to acquire one of the better quarterbacks. The reports point towards Sean Payton being a fan of either J.J. McCarthy or Bo Nix if McCarthy is off the board. Two quarterbacks that are able to read defenses and make quick passes. Something that Payton values above most quarterback attributes.

Draft priority ranking: 1st round consideration

Pass Rush

It has been a while since the Broncos boasted a consistent and lethal pass rush. It’s really been since the days of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller that Denver had a threatening rusher on either side of the ball. They have the opportunity to fix that this year.

While Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning, and Jonathan Cooper are impressive in flashes, they have yet to string together consistent play. Cooper was Denver’s leading sacker last season and he was only tied for 33rd most in the league with 8.5 sacks. Bonitto had eight and Browning only had 4.5 in the 10 games he played. And they did draft Drew Sanders as a dynamic, pass rushing linebacker, but that never panned out and it seems as if they’ll be moving him to more of an inside linebacker role this coming season.

Draft priority ranking: 1st or 3rd round consideration

Defensive Line

In a similar sense to their issues at the edge position, the defensive line was not much better last year. While the new guy Zach Allen had five sacks last year, that’s about all they were able to do against the pass as a group. And we all know how abysmal their run defense was.

The Broncos were the worst rushing defense in the AFC and the 3rd-worst in the league last year, giving up 137.1 yards per game. They also gave up five yards a carry and 15 rushing touchdowns. This absolutely can not happen again this year, and to fix that you need to fix the most important group defensively. Everything starts up front. You don’t need to draft a cornerback if your defensive front is wreaking havoc.

Draft priority ranking: 3rd round consideration

What position group do you think Denver needs to address first? If McCarthy is not available at 12 should they trade back? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Happy draft week.