The Denver Broncos haven't had a first-round pick since the 2021 NFL Draft when they used the 9th overall pick on cornerback Pat Surtain II. The Russell Wilson trade has depleted the team's NFL Draft capital, but the Broncos will be back on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick.
While many are anticipating that selection will be a quarterback, there are a lot of directions the Broncos could go. This draft class has players that could fit a wide variety of this team's needs, both immediately and looking ahead a little bit.
Who are some under-the-radar prospects for Denver Broncos fans to keep their eyes on? Let's take a look at five names.
1. Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
It's not really popular right now to think of the Denver Broncos going with anyone on the defensive side of the ball with their top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but if there's one area of the team that might warrant that kind of investment, it would be the defensive line.
The Broncos' defensive line was horrendous in 2023, ranking 30th in the NFL in overall run defense and 32nd in yards per carry allowed. The poor run defense by the Broncos was ultimately a major deciding factor in the team's playoff hopes as the first six games were largely decided by the Broncos losing at the line of scrimmage.
Byron Murphy is someone who could help with that problem. He's currently ranked 22nd overall on Daniel Jeremiah's big board and he's coming off of a nice season at Texas with 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Although he's only 6-foot-1, he plays with tremendous leverage and explosiveness off the snap.
2. Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
It's possible that we see Taliese Fuaga absolutely light it up at the Scouting Combine. One of the most dominant run blockers in college football, Fuaga has slowly entered the first-round conversation and has now crept into the top-10 conversation.
Fuaga played right tackle at Oregon State but there are some who believe his athletic traits could lead to him switching to the left side at the NFL level if that's where a team would envision him. He also has the versatility to play guard, although that's not really an area the Broncos have a need right now.
If Denver moves on from Garett Bolles in 2024, Fuaga could be a first-round option.
3. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Another area of the roster that could be addressed in round one because of how beneficial it is to have studs on rookie contracts is off the EDGE. The Broncos have two key players off the edge -- Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning -- entering contract years in 2024 and there is still some uncertainty about the long-term viability of Nik Bonitto and Drew Sanders (if Sanders transitions to the EDGE permanently).
Jared Verse is a former transfer who spent two years at Florida State, and they were productive. He had 29.5 tackles for loss and 18.0 sacks over two seasons at FSU, adding 89 total tackles in the process over two seasons.
Depending on what happens at quarterback and left tackle, getting an edge player like Jared Verse at 12 wouldn't be the worst scenario in the world.
4. Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
If the Denver Broncos go with a playmaker offensively in round one, most people in Broncos Country seem to be hoping for Brock Bowers (Georgia TE) or maybe Rome Odunze (Washington WR) if one of those two guys falls to the 12th overall pick.
There's not been a lot of talk about adding the 6-foot-4 Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU with that 12th overall pick. Thomas has great size and length, but what's fascinating about him is how he can win at all levels of the field with quickness and release off the line of scrimmage as well as the ability to create separation downfield.
And with his 6-foot-4 frame, he's got a tremendous catch radius. If the Broncos are up for round one receivers, Thomas has to be in the mix.
5. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Troy Fautanu is known for his ability in space, his pass protecting abilities, and his overall length at the tackle position. Once again, the situation with Garett Bolles could prompt the Broncos to make a move at the left tackle position and Fautanu has the look of a long-term starter there.
Washington’s Troy Fautanu is a fun watch for many reasons. He plays with violence. Physical in the run… but he’s probably got the most in his pass protection tool box I’ve seen from a prospect in awhile. Here’s a sampling. Doesn’t even include all the jump sets or splash… pic.twitter.com/PprcUGLNn2
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) February 23, 2024
He's shown an ability to block in space when asked to do so, and he's expected to put up some great numbers at the Scouting Combine. This is a guy who finds work in pass protection, he's anything but passive, and I think he's Day 1 ready with his combination of pass pro skills and overall aggressiveness.