The Denver Broncos are entering a new era after the Russell Wilson trade and subsequent release, leaving a significant void at quarterback and a hefty dead money hit. This offseason, the Broncos are prioritizing rebuilding their defense through the 2024 NFL Draft.
Sean Payton, Broncos, NFL Rumors
The Broncos made a splash this offseason by parting ways with quarterback Russell Wilson after just two seasons. The trade and subsequent contract extension will go down as one of the worst in NFL history, leaving Denver with a significant salary cap burden. The team also released All-Pro safety Justin Simmons to free up much-needed cap space.
Rebuilding the Defense Through the Draft
Despite the need for a new quarterback, experts predict the Broncos will heavily invest in their defense during the 2024 NFL Draft. Even before releasing Simmons, the Broncos defense needed significant upgrades. General Manager George Paton publicly expressed concerns about the team’s run defense and the need for interior depth.
Addressing Defensive Needs: Cornerback and Edge Rusher
Beyond the interior defensive line, the Broncos are also looking to improve at cornerback and edge rusher. While the team has some promising players at edge rusher, they lack a consistent, game-changing presence. The cornerback position also requires an upgrade to solidify the secondary. This suggests Denver may use their first-round pick, currently No. 12, to bolster their defense.
The Quarterback Conundrum
While the need for a quarterback is undeniable with Jarrett Stidham currently the only quarterback on the roster, the Broncos face a challenging path to securing a top prospect. With other quarterback-needy teams picking ahead of them, including the Minnesota Vikings at No. 11, the top quarterback prospects may be off the board by the time Denver picks.
Navigating the Draft: Quarterback vs. Defense
Trading up for a higher pick would require sacrificing valuable future draft capital. This leaves the Broncos with a difficult decision: reach for a quarterback later in the draft or prioritize their immediate defensive needs with their first-round pick. The team could target a quarterback in later rounds or explore other avenues to address the position.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos face a critical offseason as they look to rebuild after the Russell Wilson era. While the quarterback position remains a major concern, strengthening the defense appears to be the primary focus in the 2024 NFL Draft. The decisions made in the draft will significantly impact the Broncos’ future and their ability to compete in the AFC West. Will they prioritize defense or find a way to land a franchise quarterback? The 2024 NFL Draft holds the answers.
