Denver Broncos fans are understandably excited after the 2024 NFL Draft, where the team selected Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. Nix is the highest quarterback drafted by the Broncos since Jay Cutler (11th overall, 2006) and is coming to Denver after being hand-picked by head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton.
But after the conclusion of the draft, which players are on "thin ice"? Whose roster spots or starting jobs are in jeopardy?
There could be quite a bit of roster turnover after this particular draft class, both now and into the future. A handful of players should be looking over their shoulders at this incoming class.
1. Jarrett Stidham, QB
It wasn't the greatest week for Jarrett Stidham, was it? Early in the week, the Broncos traded for former 2nd overall pick Zach Wilson. Then they obviously drafted Bo Nix 12th overall. Stidham has been in the league longer than Wilson, but has less experience. Now both of those guys have to deal with a 1st round quarterback in the building.
Stidham is probably looking at being the team's QB2 at best this coming season after the Bo Nix selection, although the Broncos have done nothing but maintain belief in his abilities as a possible starter.
The Broncos signed Stidham to a two-year deal last offseason and he's slated to count about $7 million against the 2024 salary cap. We'll see if the Broncos keep him in their budget this year or if they are able to trade him at some point this offseason yet to a team that suffers an injury at the QB position.
2. Javonte Williams/Samaje Perine/Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
The running back position is going to be fascinating to watch this offseason for the Denver Broncos. This was a position group that lacked depth last offseason, and not only did it lack depth, but starter Javonte Williams was coming off of a serious knee injury.
We saw the ill effects of that injury throughout the course of last season as Williams' ability to break tackles and create yardage after contact was simply not there. Samaje Perine didn't even receive 100 total carries on the season, even though he was extremely involved in the passing game. Rookie Jaleel McLaughlin brought the juice with his speed and playmaking ability, but his pass protection skills are not there and there will be competition for his job in 2024.
I don't know that you can truly say any of the top three running backs from last year are "safe" after the Broncos' selection of Audric Estimé in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as well as the addition of undrafted free agent Blake Watson out of Memphis.
Those two backs are going to factor into the mix this year, so it would almost be surprising if the Broncos didn't move on from at least one of Williams, Perine, or McLaughlin this offseason. They could (and maybe should) end up keeping four running backs, but one of those holdovers could be shipped off.
3. Courtland Sutton, WR
One of the most surprising things to happen over NFL Draft weekend (or, not happen) was the Denver Broncos not trading Courtland Sutton. After rumors that they didn't "plan" on trading him despite his being unhappy with his current contract situation, it felt like the writing was on the wall.
Not only that, but the Broncos had already added Josh Reynolds in free agency before trading up to draft Troy Franklin. Neither of those guys is a one-for-one replacement for Sutton as the "X" receiver, but it was still surprising to see Sutton remain a Bronco over the weekend.
Even still, it feels like he is truly on "thin ice" as we head into the offseason program. The Broncos re-signed both Tim Patrick and Lil'Jordan Humphrey in addition to bringing in Josh Reynolds and Troy Franklin. Marvin Mims is expected to have a bigger role this coming season, and the team likes third-year player Brandon Johnson a lot. Jalen Virgil is coming off of an injury and was going to make the roster before an injury last year.
The team is deeper now at receiver, and it's hard to know exactly how this stalemate with Sutton is going to end. He's obviously a good player, and ideally you'd love to see him remain with the Broncos happily, but what's the conclusion here?
Not knowing how this is going to end tends to lead me to believe the Broncos could still end up dealing the veteran receiver.
4. Damarri Mathis, CB
One position group the Denver Broncos did a couple of interesting "touch-ups" to over the weekend was the cornerback position. They brought in veteran Levi Wallace who has started a lot of games in this league, and they also drafted Missouri's Kris Abrams-Draine in the fifth round.
Not that either of those guys will come into the mix and immediately steal a starting job, but you never know. That would leave both Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis on thin ice after the 2024 NFL Draft, but Mathis' job may be the most in jeopardy of them all.
Mathis was unceremoniously benched last season after a horrendous start to the season, giving up one big play after another. It really was a shocking development based on how well Mathis had played in his rookie season for the Broncos, bouncing back after a tough first couple of games to provide some steady play on the outside.
Now, Mathis finds himself in roster limbo. The Broncos raised the floor with veteran Levi Wallace. They already drafted Mathis's replacement last year when they traded up for Moss. Now, they reset the clock on a rookie contract with Kris Abrams-Draine. It feels like Mathis could ultimately be the odd man out at cornerback.