What did we make of Denver’s 2024 NFL Draft?
Let’s review the NFL Draft picks for the Denver Broncos, as well as their undrafted free-agent signings:
Round 1: Pick 12 – Bo Nix, quarterback, Oregon
With a quarterback need, the Broncos got their guy for the future. Even though the Broncos traded for Zach Wilson, you can’t expect him to be the starter. Nix’s availability at No. 12 made all the sense in the world.
“Bo Nix can’t throw the deep ball” pic.twitter.com/K7TwZqPhIU
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) April 29, 2024
Round 3: Pick 76 – Jonah Ellis, outside linebacker, Utah
Ellis has a lot of potential in the NFL, but the biggest question is whether his talents will transition to the NFL. If the Broncos were looking for the next effective pass rusher, this won’t be your guy. He is slow and doesn’t use his hands well when trying to block the shed.
Jonah Ellis has a N A S T Y spin move. Excited to see that on Sunday’s pic.twitter.com/uCW3VxYRfw
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) April 27, 2024
Round 4: Pick 102 – Troy Franklin, wide receiver, Oregon
This is a sensible pick with the Broncos drafting Franklin’s quarterback in the first round. The selection of Franklin checks two boxes for the Broncos: Number one is the need for a wide receiver, especially one that can take over a game. And two, a pick to give your quarterback a familiar face on the team. Franklin caught 14 touchdowns and led Oregon receivers in receiving yards with 1,383.
Round 5: Pick 145 – Kris Abrams-Draine, cornerback, Missouri
Abrams-Draine is a smart, athletic corner who will help the defense. However, he lacks the size of an ideal corner, so don’t expect him to guard any receiver taller than him.
Denver Selects CB Kris Abrams-Draine 145th Overall
34 Forced Incompletions Since 2021 (1st Among Power Five CBs) pic.twitter.com/v6wDHIXCEb
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 27, 2024
Round 5: Pick 147 – Audric Estime, running back, Notre Dame
Estime was a workhorse for the Fighting Irish scoring 18 touchdowns with 1,334 rushing yards. Estime also averaged 6.1 yards on the ground. His bowling-ball frame makes for a great third-down back. Great value on a pick in the fifth round.
Round 7: Pick 235 – Devaughn Vele, wide receiver, Utah
Vele is a tall receiver who can jump out of the room. He lacks physicality when fighting through his catches with contact. Vele is a 26-year-old rookie, so Father Time is not on his side. If you are looking for a guy with the height of Tim Patrick, if he gets hurt this season, Vele checks the box.
Round 7: Pick 256 – Nick Gargiulo, guard, South Carolina
Gargiulo’s versatility in the trenches made their last pick well worth it. Splitting time at center and tackle at Yale and South Carolina was at guard and center. He does have a wide base which means he is slower and can be beaten. He will have a tougher competition to deal with if he starts playing against the Chiefs and Raiders.
Undrafted free-agent signings
- Jaylon Allen, OLB Memphis
- Levelle Bailey, LB, Fresno State
- Omar Brown, S, Nebraska
- Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming
- Dylan Leonard, TE, Georgia Tech
- Brandon Matterson, IDL, UTSA
- Jordan Miller, IDL, SMU
- Alec Mock, LB, Air Force
- Quinton Newsome, CB, Nebraska
- Lincoln Victor, WR, Washington
- Blake Watson, RB, Memphis
- Thomas Yassmin, TE, Utah