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In the last two mock drafts, we addressed how this April’s draft might play out if the Broncos turned to the trenches in the first round by taking a defensive tackle or offensive lineman.
This time, after the Broncos failed to land a veteran quarterback in the first wave of free agency, we look at what happens if the franchise opts to address the most important position in football.
Although head coach Sean Payton still hopes to add another experienced signal caller to the room, there appears to be more pressure to find a quarterback through the draft. We’ve already explored what the Broncos would have to send away in order to trade up for one of the draft’s coveted QBs. But in this exercise, will look at what happens if Denver trades down in the first round to land its quarterback of the future while also adding another playmaker on offense.
First Round (No. 19 via Rams)
Denver trades: No. 12 and No. 136
Denver receives: No. 19 and No. 52
QB Bo Nix, Oregon
With Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy likely getting picked inside the Top 10, the Broncos turn to the next best thing, and that’s Nix. The 24-year-old put up impressive numbers during his time with the Ducks, throwing for 8,101 yards, 74 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. More importantly, Nix has the tools that Payton looks for in a quarterback, such as efficiency, processing and ability to extend plays. The Heisman Trophy finalist will also provide experience, having played 61 career games in college. A quarterback battle with Jarrett Stidham awaits in training camp.
Second Round (No. 52 via Rams)
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
Tight end is one of the biggest needs for Denver. In New Orleans, Payton had players like Jimmy Graham, Jared Cook and Jeremy Shockey as vertical threats at the position. Greg Dulcich fits that mold, but his injury history makes it difficult to rely on him. Sanders has the potential to improve Denver’s tight ends room, which combined to catch 39 passes for 362 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Sanders is ranked first all-time among Texas tight ends in career receptions (99), second in receiving yards (1,295) and sixth in receiving touchdowns (seven). Last season, He totaled a career-best 682 receiving yards on 45 catches while averaging 15.2 yards per reception.
Third Round (No. 76)
CB Renardo Green, Florida State
After Denver used its first two picks to improve the offense, the team addresses the defense. Green, who spent five seasons at Florida State, is a physical corner who plays well in man coverage. He collected 43 tackles and 13 passes defended last season, earning himself second-team All-ACC honors. In the season opener against LSU, Green held Malik Nabers — one of the top wide receivers in the draft — to two catches for 20 yards on five targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
Fourth Round (No. 121 via Dolphins)
EDGE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State
Kamara is one of the best pass rushers in Rams history, ranking second all-time in career sacks (30.5) and third in career tackles for loss (45.5). He and UCLA edge Laiatu Latu were tied for fourth in the country with 13 sacks in 2023. Kamara has violent hands and plays with a ton of power. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is high on Kamara. “He gives you everything you want on every snap in terms of effort,” Kiper said in a conference call with reporters last week. “I love everything about this kid.”
Fifth Round (No. 145 via Jets)
OT Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh
Goncalves played three games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury. He has experience playing both tackle spots, as he played 302 snaps at left and 525 at right in 2022, according to PFF. Goncalves could be a quality backup for the Broncos, with the potential of turning into a starter down the road. Could this be the draft the Broncos finally pick up a left tackle?
Fifth Round (No. 147)
DT Jordan Jefferson, LSU
It wouldn’t hurt the Broncos to add more depth at defensive tackle despite recently signing Malcolm Roach. Jefferson spent four seasons at West Virginia before transferring to LSU, where he had 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his lone season with the Tigers. Jefferson would be another rotational player in Denver’s defensive line that could help slow down the run.
Sixth Round (No. 203 via Texans through Browns)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
Tracy, who played four years at Iowa and two at Purdue, is an intriguing player. He wasn’t a full-time running back until this past season, as he spent most of his college career as a wide receiver. Still, he showed flashes of potential as a running back, rushing for 716 yards and eight touchdowns on 113 carries. Tracy is an older prospect at 24 years old, but his experience as a running back and wideout could be valuable.
Sixth Round (No. 207 via 49ers)
LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
Denver signed veteran inside linebacker Cody Barton following the departure of Josey Jewell. Still, there’s a chance the Broncos add another linebacker in the draft, with Jonas Griffith returning from a torn ACL and Drew Sanders possibly switching to outside linebacker in his second year. Liufau is a decent pass rusher for an off-ball linebacker, totaling three sacks and 25 pressures in his final year with the Fighting Irish.
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