© Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
3 Positions Broncos Should Avoid in Round 1 of the Draft
The Denver Broncos have bigger fish to fry on Draft Day.
The 2024 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and the Denver Broncos could take several different paths in the first round. While many believe that a quarterback will be the Broncos' pick, there are scenarios in which they don’t get their future signal-caller and have to pivot.
If head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton can’t secure their future quarterback in Round 1, several areas of need on Denver’s roster must be addressed. However, the Broncos should avoid selecting a few positions.
Let’s examine the top three positions the Broncos need to avoid in the first round.
Wide Receiver
While many fascinating wide receiver prospects are worthy of a first-round pick this year, the Broncos shouldn’t be in the conversation for one. With Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and the newly-acquired Josh Reynolds as the top three on the depth chart, the Broncos have enough talent to forego taking a wideout in Round 1.
2024’s class has receiver talent through all seven rounds, so the Broncos shouldn’t dip into the position until Day 2 at the earliest unless they trade back to the late 20s and are in love with a particular prospect.
Tight End
I’ve debated the first-round tight-end idea several times but settled on passing on it until later. Georgia's Brock Bowers is the only prospect touted as a first-round tight end.
His unwillingness to test at the NFL Combine and his pro day in Athens is quite concerning and suggests he’s potentially hiding something. Tight end is a luxury for the Broncos as they’re rebuilding.
While having a security blanket for whoever is under center is a big plus in the Payton offense, this team has more significant priorities.
Cornerback
The Broncos aren’t set at their No. 2 cornerback spot, but taking one in the first round shouldn't be near the top of their priorities. The Broncos have already used a first-round pick to acquire Patrick Surtain ll and two third-round picks to move up for Riley Moss, who hasn’t seen the field on defense outside of a few snaps.
Surtain and Ja'Quan McMillian have already locked up the No. 1 cornerback spot and the nickel corner, respectively, leaving Damarri Mathis and Moss to compete for the privilege of playing opposite Surtain. Considering the investment Denver put into trading up to draft Moss last year, it would be irresponsible to use a first-round pick in a position where the team has already used so many resources.
The best way to boost the secondary is to grab an edge rusher for Denver’s anemic defensive line to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are entering their most intriguing draft since 2016. If they're unable to secure their future franchise quarterback, there are multiple approaches they could take to building the roster.
Taking any of the three positions above may hinder the Broncos' return to the playoffs in the next few years.
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