If the Broncos don’t take a QB in the first round, what’s next?

Running back is a sneaky need

Even though there’s so much talk about quarterbacks, don’t forget about the running back position, which feels like an overlooked need for the Broncos. Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are entering the final year of their deals. Jaleel Mclaughlin showed potential as a rookie, but his lack of size makes it hard for him to be an every-down running back.

If Williams is a part of the Broncos’ future, they could still use more speed and explosiveness out of the backfield. Last season, no Denver players recorded 100 rushing yards in a game. The Broncos have looked closely at running backs during the draft process and could find a starting-caliber player on Day 2 or 3 like Ray Davis (Kentucky) or Jaylen Wright (Tennessee).

Unless Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is available at No. 12, the Broncos might be better off strengthening their defense since they have to face Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice a year.

Denver signed former Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace to a one-year deal on Monday. However, the move doesn’t solve the problem of a long-term starter who can play on the opposite side of Pat Surtain II, meaning they could still draft a cornerback in the first round.

Outside of the top three edge rushers, Dallas Turner, Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu, the Broncos could also target Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Denver has been committed to improving its defensive

line, signing Malcolm Roach and Angelo Blackson. Murphy, a one-year starter for the Longhorns, could be an immediate impact player in the trenches, improving the interior pass rush. He had five sacks and 29 tackles in 2023.