Tracker for the Denver Broncos 2024 NFL simulated selection

So the Denver Broncos have a first-round pick in 2024 for the first time since selecting Pat Surtain II in the NFL Draft in 2021.

The Broncos did not have a first-round pick in either the 2022 or 2023 NFL Drafts because of the trades for Russell Wilson and Sean Payton. Denver is still in need of a quarterback after Wilson didn’t pan out, and many league observers believe a rookie gunslinger would be a welcome addition. Some believe the Broncos may pick elsewhere in the offseason and concentrate on a different position during the draft.

What will the Broncos do with pick No. 12? Could Denver even trade up or down? We will find out on April 25.

Here’s the latest from experts on what they expect the Broncos to do on NFL Draft Day

Feb 5: Broncos need help pressuring QB, new mock has them taking edge

The Athletic has Denver taking Florida State EDGE Jared Verse at No. 12. With Washington QB Michael Penix Jr going one pick later to the Raiders.

Feb. 5: According to the most recent ESPN mock draft, the Broncos will select a quarterback at number twelve.

ESPN projects Denver to choose Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12. It’s interesting to note that this fake also projects Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy to the Raiders one round later.

Jan. 23: The Broncos will play defense in the first round of Mel Kiper’s first mock draft.

ESPN’s Kiper projected Denver to select UCLA OLB Laiatu Latu at number twelve. Although the Broncos improved their pressure on the quarterback in the previous season, they could definitely use more explosive plays at the position.

 

Jan 19: Newest NFL mock draft has Broncos taking a corner from Alabama

Could the Broncos repeat their last NFL Draft pick? NFL.com has Denver going with Terrion Arnold from Alabama at No. 12. It would certainly be a solution to the question of No. 2 corner, which has been asked since PS2 came to town.

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Jan 10: Latest ESPN mock draft has Broncos taking national champion QB

This ESPN mock had Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy going to the Broncos at No. 12. They didn’t see Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon’s Bo Nix as first-rounders in this mock.

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Chicago Bears insider Adam Hoge explains why the Denver Broncos would struggle to make a deal for Caleb Williams or Justin Fields

Within the next few months, the Chicago Bears are probably going to trade for a starting quarterback.

There are two possible formats for the trade:

They let go of Justin Fields, who was their 2021 first-round draft selection and starting player ever since.
They exchange the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is almost certainly going to go to Caleb Williams, the quarterback for USC.
Adam Hoge, a Bears insider for CHGO, believes it is doubtful that the Bears will hang onto both players.

On the DNVR Broncos Podcast, he stated, “I think that locker room right now is too far in Justin Fields’ corner and it would really create a toxic situation for a rookie quarterback.” As soon as Justin struggles or the Bears technically start 0-3, as we all know will happen, the supporters will start yelling for Caleb anyway. Pulling off the bandage is preferable, ideally prior to the draft.

Which QB will the Bears select, then?

If we’re going to discuss Vegas odds at this time, Hoge stated, “I think the overwhelming favorite has to be that the Bears will draft Caleb Williams.” “I don’t think the Bears front management has decided on anything yet. They are currently unaware of what teams will provide.

It’s possible that the Broncos are looking for a new starting quarterback. Although Russell Wilson has a contract, the Broncos would free up salary cap room if they let him go this offseason.

The Broncos and Bears might be the perfect trading partners as a result.

But according to Hoge, the fit isn’t ideal.

The Broncos would have to offer a massive package to pry the No. 1 pick from Chicago. Their max offer would probably be something like the 12th pick in the draft, first-round picks in 2025 and 2026, a third-round pick this year and cornerback Pat Surtain II. (DNVR looked at that potential trade package here.)

“I would say it’s tempting,” Hoge said, “but there’s a couple of problems in there.”

One problem is that the Broncos’ best trade chip is Surtain, but the Bears aren’t in the market for a cornerback.

“They’re extremely deep there,” he said. “They’re young.”

Chicago’s cornerback room is led by 24-year-old All-Pro Jaylon Johnson. Tyrique Stevenson, 23, and Kyler Gordon, 24, have proven to be NFL starters as well.

“That’s not a knock on Surtain,” Hoge said. “That’s just the Bears’ situation.”

The Bears could move one of their young cornerbacks (or opt not to retain Johnson, a free agent this offseason). But the easy answer is that the fit isn’t perfect.

The other problem is that the Bears don’t have a second-round pick, and probably want to fill that gap. The Broncos don’t have a second-round pick either. That doesn’t mean a potential deal is doomed, but it’s a tougher sell.

This problem would be a bigger issue in a deal for Fields.

“I think that the belief right now seems to be that the Bears should be able to get a second-rounder for him,” Hoge said.

The Broncos could make other moves to pick up a second-round pick, or they could package future picks to build a competitive offer, but if the price is a second-round pick and the Broncos don’t have one, they’re starting from a tough spot.

Similarly, the Broncos could move Surtain in a separate deal to pick up assets, or they could offer another player or picks.

As of now, though, the Broncos and Bears don’t appear to be ideal trade partners.