2024 NFL Draft tracker: Grading every Denver Broncos pick and trade

The 2024 NFL Draft is absolutely critical for the Denver Broncos as they face a major crossroads as a franchise. It's year two of the Sean Payton era, and the Broncos made one of the boldest moves in NFL history by cutting quarterback Russell Wilson just two years after a blockbuster trade that landed him in Denver. The decision to cut Wilson left the Broncos with an historic $85 million in dead salary cap, but has paved the way for the team to usher in a new era.

Never before has Sean Payton used a 1st or 2nd-round draft choice on the quarterback position while he's been an NFL head coach. George Paton hasn't spent a single draft choice in his time as Broncos GM on the quarterback position. The Broncos know the time has come to invest in the most position in the sport, but when and where is that going to happen?

We're going to have you covered all weekend as the Broncos are poised to pick eight times in the 2024 NFL Draft.

When do the Denver Broncos pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

• 1st round: 12th overall: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
• 3rd round: 76th overall: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah
• 4th round: 102nd overall: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
• 5th round: 145th overall: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
• 5th round: 147th overall: Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame
• 7th round: 235th overall: Devaughn Vele, WR, Utah
• 7th round: 256th overall: Nick Gargiulo, OL, South Carolina

Broncos 2024 NFL Draft tracker: Grades for every pick and trade

Be sure to bookmark this page and check back throughout the 2024 NFL Draft. This will be updated after every Denver Broncos pick and trade with an immediate grade and reaction.

1st round, 12th overall: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

This pick is pretty self-explanatory. It's going to be divisive because it's a quarterback and everyone has an opinion, but the Broncos needed to make this selection after five QBs went in the first 10 picks overall. Bo Nix is exactly what Sean Payton likes and wants in a quarterback. He's smart, athletic, he's got a quick trigger, he processes well, he's mature, and he's NFL ready.

GRADE: A

3rd round, 76th overall: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah

The Denver Broncos disappointed a lot of fans here by not selecting Bo Nix's college teammate Troy Frankllin, but it's hard to argue with the team getting a pressure player and pass rush specialist like Jonah Elliss, who racked up 16.0 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks last season at Utah where he was an All-American.

GRADE: B+

4th round, 102nd overall: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

The Denver Broncos got themselves another playmaker with the 102nd overall pick, trading up to get a guy who had a history and rapport with first-round pick Bo Nix. Troy Franklin and Bo Nix connected over 140 times over the last two seasons, and he adds another element of speed to the offense. This is a great value for the Broncos in the fourth round.

GRADE: A

5th round, 145th overall: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

The obligatory cornerback selection has finally happened. Broncos GM George Paton isn't going to let a draft slip him by without taking a corner. Kris Abrams-Draine is really a nice value here. He was considered by some to be a 3rd-4th-round candidate and has really good ball production. He had four interceptions and was a 2nd-team All-American last year.

GRADE: B+

5th round, 147th overall: Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame

The Denver Broncos had two picks nearly back-to-back in the 5th round, and they got back-to-back 2nd-team All-Americans. Audric Estime had 29 total rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons at Notre Dame. He's a big-bodied back who averaged over 6 yards per carry in his time with the Fighting Irish.

GRADE: A-

Denver Broncos biggest needs in the 2024 NFL Draft

What are the Denver Broncos' biggest needs in the 2024 NFL Draft? Some may be more obvious than others.

1. Quarterback

This is the most obvious need the Denver Broncos have on the roster currently. Even after the acquisition of Zach Wilson, a player this coaching staff and front office can build around is needed.

2. EDGE/DT

I want to lump EDGE and defensive tackle together here even though they are obviously very different positions. I don't know if you can really differentiate the two in terms of priority for the Denver Broncos right now. The Broncos need someone to come in and be a true game-wrecking pass rush threat.

3. Tight End

The tight end position was one of the most obvious missing elements of the Denver Broncos' offense last season. The team can't rely on Greg Dulcich staying healthy.