The State of the Broncos:
The Broncos have put together some solid, young pieces over the past few years, such as Javonte Williams, Jerry Jeudy, and Patrick Surtain II. With a solid roster, they’ve seemed to be just a quarterback away. After an injury-decimated season in 2020, they went and got Teddy Bridgewater to compete with Drew Lock. Unfortunately, they had another injury-decimated season in 2021.
However, with an offseason trade for Russell Wilson, things are looking back up in Denver. Now that they have their quarterback, one more strong draft class could help push them over the edge in the AFC West. Even without a 1st-round pick, they still have plenty of picks in this draft. Let’s take a look at some options the Broncos should look into on Day 2.
#64 Overall
Tre McBride – TE – Colorado State
McBride has the hands, catch radius and body control as a receiver with the willingness and competitiveness as a blocker to start at the next level, but inconsistent separation skills and run block effectiveness could hold him back.
The trade of Noah Fant brings uncertainty to the tight end room in terms of receiving. McBride is a hometown kid who would fill that need and please the fanbase.
Muma is an explosive player with ideal size and a motor that does not quit in order to make splash plays and contribute as a core special teamer, but he needs to refine his skills to make a consistent impact in all areas.
Muma is a versatile linebacker who will bring speed and range to the 2nd level of the Broncos defense, as he can learn behind Josey Jewell and then step in once his contract is up.
Bonitto is an athletic, rangy, bendy pass rusher who should excel at getting to the passer with his lack of strength and run game stoutness limiting him to just third downs early in his career at the next level.
Denver’s pass rush seemed to weaken after the Von Miller trade happened. Bonitto is an athletic pass rusher who has a lot of upside and can be paired opposite of Bradley Chubb.
#75 Overall
Abraham Lucas – OT – Washington State
Lucas is a big-bodied technician that wins with savvy and anticipation on the edge, though his lack of strength and athleticism will prevent him from being a consistent starter.
Right tackle is still a question mark and Garrett Bolles isn’t getting any younger. So, Lucas would be a good swing tackle to bring versatility and depth to the tackle position with the hope he can take over when the time comes.
Rhyan is strong and powerful, generating push in the run game and using accurate hand placement in pass pro, but heavy feet, a lack of quickness, and the inability to redirect against pass rushers pencil him in as a backup swing tackle.
Rhyan is another swing tackle option who can even bump down to guard. With the question marks at right tackle, he could come in and be a solid backup and even fight for the job as a rookie.
Dulcich isn’t the shiftiest route runner or most technically refined run blocker, but he’s a converted wide receiver with good competitive toughness and the strong all-around skill set of a potential starter.
Dulcich still needs to improve his blocking, but he already has plus catching and RAC skills. A player who could develop into a complete tight end would be welcomed after the Fant trade.
#96 Overall
Alontae Taylor – CB – Tennessee
Taylor has the speed, physicality, and cover skills to make an impact at the next level, with improvement playing off, with his transition, and his overall tackling ability in order to work himself into a starting role.
Taylor fits the Cover-2 zone scheme the Broncos are likely to run. Not only does he have the speed and ball skills to make plays against the pass, but he’s also a willing run supporter.
Ross has the combination of size, athleticism, and quick-twitch to contribute in a variety of ways in a receiving room at the next level, but must overcome injury and production concerns to do so.
Before Ross’s injury in 2020, he looked like a potential No. 1 receiver. While he still has starting-level traits, he’d be a perfect fit in the slot right away and help give Russell Wilson more firepower at the position.
Joseph is a rangy, ball-hawking deep safety who has the smarts and skills to be a starter at the next level, though he’ll become more of a threat if he gets a little more physical and is willing to mix it up more often.
Joseph is the speedy, rangy safety that teams look for who will fit perfectly into the team’s 2-high scheme, and he can even roam as the single-high or drop down into the slot given the play call.
To learn more about the Broncos and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.
