DENVER BRONCOS
Round 1 (No. 12 overall) — Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: If you need a quarterback to start immediately – as the Broncos basically do – this could be your guy, Nix making an FBS record 61 starts behind center between his time at Auburn and Oregon. However he truly flourished with the Ducks, completing an NCAA record 77.4% of his passes last season – though it must be noted that quite a few occurred at or near the line of scrimmage as dictated by the Ducks offense. Nix (6-2, 214) doesn’t have an elite arm, but he takes care of the ball and makes quick decisions in addition to his accuracy.
Round 3 (76) — Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah: If he can stay healthy, should juice a pass rush that hasn’t been the same since OLB Von Miller’s departure. Elliss had a dozen sacks in 2023.
Round 4 (102, from Commanders through Seahawks) — Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon: Franklin has all the tools to become a playmaker in the NFL. He has height, 4.4 speed, reliable hands and is an impressive route runner.
Round 5 (145, from Jets) — Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri: Denver gets a ball-hawking cornerback in Round 5 with this selection. Abrams-Draine led the SEC in passes defensed with 16 in 2023. His thin frame is a concern against bigger wide receivers but his competitive streak and positioning make him at least a rotational corner for the Broncos early on.
Round 5 (147) — Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame: Estime was a workhorse for Notre Dame but comes to a Broncos team already featuring Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine in the backfield. Estime posted a 4.71 40-yard dash, one of the worst at the combine, but the tape shows a better downhill runner.
Round 7 (235, from Seahawks) — Devaughn Vele, WR, Utah: Denver gets another field-stretching wide receiver in Vele at No. 235 overall. At 6-foot-4, Vele’s height and wingspan give him a standout catch radius despite average jumps. He needs to improve in creating separation given all of his speed.
Round 7 (256, compensatory selection from Jets) — Nick Gargiulo, C, South Carolina: He is a great mover who works best in a zone scheme and offers versatility in a backup role.