With the draft merely days away, there’s still no clear idea of what the Broncos will do at No. 12 overall in the first round. Denver is open to doing anything, whether it’s trading up, down, or standing pat with its eight draft picks. Since doing this mock draft exercise, we’ve explored each scenario and how Denver could capitalize from them.
In the final Broncos’ seven-round mock draft, we look at what happens if the team invests in adding playmakers on offense.
(Previous mock drafts: Aggressively pursuing a QB | Trading back in first round | Post-combine mock draft | Strengthening the DL)
First Round (No. 12)
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Denver could address its need at left tackle, edge rusher or cornerback. But instead, the Broncos decide to take the best player available. Bowers is a dynamic pass-catching threat Denver lacked at the tight end position in 2023. A two-time John Mackey Award winner, Bowers recorded 2,538 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons with the Bulldogs.
Brock Bowers ability to stretch the field is unique for the position. His speed manipulation release here is nice, and then the strong hands and ability to take the contact at the catch point is excellent. pic.twitter.com/AFNLXTJMEt
— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) April 9, 2024
He is an exceptional athlete with good ball skills and is dangerous after the catch. Broncos coach Sean Payton could utilize Bowers anywhere on the field, even as a ball carrier. In 2022, Bowers rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries. He even had a 75-yard touchdown run against Kent State. Bowers has a chance to be a star for years to come.
“(Bowers is) a premier player,” NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “If I was looking at Bowers versus one of these other positional players, I might (lean) towards the best player available.”
Third Round (No. 76)
WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton missed the first day of voluntary workouts. And though Payton and general manager George Paton downplayed Sutton’s absence, he is seeking a new deal from Denver, according to NFL Network. Sutton, 28, has only $2 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons. He led the team with 10 touchdown receptions but ranked 44th in yards (772) and 38th in yards per catch (13.1).
Sutton seems to be a part of Denver’s current plans. But the future is uncertain, and the Broncos could target a young playmaker to add to their receivers room. Polk was Michael Penix Jr.’s second option, totaling 1,159 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns in 2023. He had a stretch during the middle of the season when he recorded at least 100 receiving yards in three straight games, including a 148-yard and two-touchdown performance against Stanford. Polk has good size and length. He is a willing blocker and can make catches in traffic. Polk had a contested catch rate of 54.2%, according to Pro Football Focus.
Ja’Lynn Polk using all of his 6’1/203 lbs frame
Because Washington’s offense was so vertical, just 25 of 113 targets last season were 1-9 yards downfield
He’ll get more ‘easy’ stuff in the NFL, but he can do the difficult pic.twitter.com/kvZZirSP6V
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 12, 2024
Fourth Round (No. 121 via Dolphins)
QB Michael Pratt, Tulane
The Broncos haven’t landed a veteran quarterback yet. And the remaining options in free agency do not move the needle. By drafting Pratt, Denver gains a quality backup with starter upside. He was a four-year starter at Tulane, throwing for 9,611 yards, 90 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. He improved each season, showcasing his accurate passing skills and ability to scramble with 447 carries for 1,147 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Fifth Round (No. 136 via Panthers through Browns)
EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
The last mock draft had Denver taking Hunt at No. 136. The narrative will continue for this exercise. At this point in the draft, there won’t be a ton of edge rushers who can make an immediate impact as a rookie. But the Broncos could benefit from Hunt’s explosiveness and athleticism and help develop him into a quality NFL player.
.@HCUFootball @jalyx_hunt has my attention. I think his best football is in front of him. Lots of defensive coaches would love the opportunity to coach and develop JH. #nfldraft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/08ejyJC19O
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 15, 2024
Fifth Round (No. 145 via Jets)
DT Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
After suffering a season-ending injury in 2022, Eboigbe had a productive senior year. He had 64 tackles (11.5 for loss) and seven sacks in 14 games. Denver spent the offseason trying to improve its defensive line, signing run-stopper Malcolm Roach and nine-year veteran Angelo Blackson. Eboigbe could be another rotational player up front who can help the Broncos in the pass rush.
Fifth Round (No. 147)
RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Running back is a sneaky need for Denver. Outside of Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine being free agents in 2025, the Broncos averaged four rushing yards per attempt and recorded less than 100 yards in three of the last four games of the regular season. Guerendo battled injuries throughout his career at Wisconsin. It wasn’t until he transferred to Louisville in 2023 that he showcased his potential with 810 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. He also caught 22 passes for 234 yards. Guerendo made his first career start against USC in the Holiday Bowl, recording 161 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries.
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4.33u for @LouisvilleFB RB Isaac Guerendo after putting up a 41.5″ vertical
: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fIwfAknE8j
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
Sixth Round (No. 203 via Texans through Browns)
ILB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
After missing the entire 2021 season due to injury, Liufau started 25 consecutive games to finish his Irish career. He is a relentless off-ball linebacker who’s effective as a blitzer (three sacks in 2023). Denver has done homework on some of the inside linebacker prospects in this draft class. If Drew Sanders becomes a full-time edge rusher, the Broncos could be more inclined to take Liufau on Day 3.
Sixth Round (No. 207 via 49ers)
OT Walter Rouse, Oklahoma
Rouse, who spent four years at Stanford before transferring to Oklahoma, started in 52 of his final 53 collegiate games at left tackle. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2023 after he didn’t allow a sack in 480 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF.
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