The Denver Broncos have substantial needs on the defensive side of the ball. Can they fill those needs in the 2024 NFL Draft? Well, you'd hope so, right? With Sean Payton now getting the final say in the roster, perhaps his draft classes end up having stronger results that George Paton's, who has been an objective disaster as the team's General Manager.
If Sean Payton was not in the equation, the Broncos would be in horrible shape. The team does not own a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but depending on how the draft board falls, the Broncos might be able to make a selection in the second round, but that's not the point here. In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, we'll use every single selection on defense.
28th Overall Pick (via BUF): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The defensive line is a huge position of need for the Denver Broncos, so I accepted multiple offers to trade down into the bottom of the first round. There, I grabbed a very good run defender in Byron Murphy II from Texas. Here is a blurb about Murphy from Ian Cummings:
"Murphy’s floor as a run defender with his strength, mass, leverage, angle awareness, and movement freedom is already incredibly high, and he has the ceiling to be a devastating pass-rushing threat if he can channel his energy and power capacity more efficiently.Ian Cummings
As a prospect, Murphy bears some similarity to Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro defensive lineman Grady Jarrett."
This selection sounds like a move that the Broncos should not hesitate to make. Cutting DJ Jones should happen within the first few moments of the 2024 league year beginning in mid-March, so Denver's need along the defensive interior will be obvious.
52nd Overall Pick (via LAR): T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
I first moved down from 12 to 19 with the Los Angeles Rams, and that netted me this pick among another one. Well, I reunite Murphy with a behemoth of a defensive tackle in T'Vondre Sweat, obviously from Texas. PFN's Mock Draft Simulator lists Sweat as 6'4" and 346 lbs. Yeah, that'll do.
60th Overall Pick (via BUF): Beau Brade, S, Maryland
Beau Brade is someone who might be a perfect fit for Vance Joseph's defense, as he can lineup as a safety, closer to the line of scrimmage, or even in the slot. The do-it-all player is going to lessen the blow of the Broncos trading Justin Simmons in this mock draft scenario. Simmons and the Broncos are best suited going in different directions.
There's also some nice safety talent on the free agency market, but further bolstering the unit in the 2024 NFL Draft is a smart move. Reading Brade's profile on PFN really gives me some Brian Branch vibes.
81st Overall Pick: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
After two straight picks along the defensive line, the Denver Broncos go with two straight picks in the secondary, and the hope is that Max Melton can eventually be the CB2 next to Patrick Surtain II. Melton is 6'0" and 190 lbs, so he's got fine size for an NFL cornerback. Denver's secondary really needs some youth infusion.
PS2 and Ja'Quan McMillian are a nice foundation, but more talent is needed, especially when the Broncos are in a division with Patrick Mahomes.
121st Overall Pick: Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy
I am just mind-boggled by Javon Solomon's college production at Troy. In the 2021-2023 seasons with Troy, Solomon racked up 42.5 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks. These numbers come in 40 games. Solomon is a hair undersized, but with this pick, I am banking on Solomon's experience and insane production being able to translate into the NFL.
143rd Overall Pick: Aaron Casey, LB, Indiana
I figure the Denver Broncos should add some more LB talent, as the team is probably moving on from free agent Josey Jewell this offseason; at least that's the way I see it. Casey had 20 tackles for loss and 109 total tackles in 12 games for Indiana in 2023.
145th Overall Pick: Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
Yeah, let's add another defensive tackle. Jordan Jefferson began his career with West Virginia before transferring to LSU for the 2023 college season. In 13 games, Jefferson racked up 36 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Three defensive tackles, one cornerback, one safety, one linebacker, and one EDGE rusher is what I came away with in this Denver Broncos mock draft. In the unlikely scenario that Denver does use all of their draft picks on defense, it'd make sense to address all three levels.