Broncos' Four Biggest 2024 Draft Needs at This Time

The 2023 season is still a couple of months away, and Denver Broncos training camp is nearly a month away. Therefore, it might seem silly to start thinking about the 2024 NFL draft.

However, keeping future drafts in mind is part of a long-term strategy for improving the team. And the Broncos will need to think about those future draft needs, given the uncertainty about which players will be part of the roster after the 2023 season.

The Broncos will have seven total picks in next year's draft, with no picks in the second and sixth rounds and two picks in each of the third and seventh rounds. Denver might acquire more draft capital if it decides to trade away a player in the coming months.

But we can examine the Broncos' roster for 2023, consider who needs to prove themselves this season and how that might impact the team's decisions about what to do in next year's draft.

Here are the positions that, at this time, carry the greatest consideration for the Broncos to prioritize in the early rounds of the 2024 draft. Keep in mind this could change depending on how the 2023 season unfolds.

1. Quarterback

It's been said many times before, but Russell Wilson must show he can bounce back from a bad 2022 season. If not, the Broncos will have to part ways with him, as painful as it would be.

However, even if Wilson plays better in 2023 and justifies staying for 2024, finding a young QB to develop wouldn't be a bad idea. Even if Wilson bounces back and stays through 2025, it's possible the Broncos would need to move on from him in 2026.

Drafting a QB early would give the Broncos a chance to develop somebody who might be able to start by 2026 when the team would be in a better position to move on from Wilson if necessary.

2. Edge Rusher

Assuming Wilson plays well in 2023, it's not hard to figure out that edge rusher would become the top priority. The Broncos' current group is filled with questions.

Randy Gregory missed most of the 2022 season. Baron Browning also missed time with injuries and is currently on the PUP list after offseason surgery. Nik Bonitto struggled as a rookie. Jonathon Cooper has shown promise as a depth player but is unproven as a starter.

The Broncos need to keep a close eye on edge rusher prospects who could enter the 2024 draft. Doing so would give the Broncos an important piece on the defense to allow it to complement the offense.

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3. Left Tackle

The Broncos haven't drafted an offensive tackle since 2017 when they selected Garett Bolles in the first round. And, now, Bolles is out to prove himself after missing the majority of 2022 because of a broken leg.

If Bolles struggles this season, the Broncos will likely cut him. That means drafting a replacement will be important. The Broncos won't be able to skip drafting an offensive tackle again if Bolles isn't back for 2024.

Should Bolles play well in 2023, there'll be less of a need to draft a left tackle early, but taking one in the later rounds would be ideal because Bolles' current contract runs through 2024 and, even if he plays well the next two seasons, there's no guarantee that he'll be extended.

4. Interior Defensive Line

The Broncos added Zach Allen in free agency and got quality play out of D.J. Jones in 2022. However, Jones is a potential cap casualty in 2024. Also, Mike Purcell enters the final year of his contract.

The Broncos do have hopes that some of the younger players will step up this year and prove to be worthy starters. But if that doesn't happen, the Broncos need to look at interior defenders early in the 2024 draft.

This position isn't as high of a priority as the others would be. However, it's one that needs to be on the radar. An interior defender who can rush the passer well could be a solid backup plan if the draft board for edge rushers doesn't fall the Broncos' way.

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