The first season of the Sean Payton regime with the Denver Broncos ended up being the last one of the Russell Wilson era. Denver missed the playoffs at 8-9 and decided to part ways with Wilson following the season, releasing him and handing him a substantial severance check on his way out the door.
Now in full-on rebuild mode, the Broncos at least have a full lot of 2024 NFL Draft picks to look forward to.
Denver Broncos Draft Picks by Round in 2024
- Round 1, Pick 12
Bo Nix, QB | Oregon - Round 3, Pick 76
Jonah Elliss, EDGE | Utah - Round 4, Pick 102 (from SEA through WAS)
Troy Franklin, WR | Oregon - Round 5, Pick 145 (from NYJ)
Kris Abrams-Draine, CB | Missouri - Round 5, Pick 147
Audric Estime, RB | Notre Dame - Round 7, Pick 235 (from SEA)
Devaughn Vele, WR | Utah - Round 7, Pick 256 (from NYJ)
Nick Gargiulo, C | South Carolina
Who Did the Broncos Draft in 2024?
Bo Nix, QB, Round 1, Pick 12
Denver is now riding into the Bo Nix era as the Broncos took him at No. 12 overall.
By selecting the Oregon Ducks star and Heisman Trophy finalist, Nix became the fifth quarterback selected on Day 1 of the draft. And his arrival once again comes with Denver going younger at the QB spot, plus pivoting away from Wilson.
PFN’s Ian Cummings graded Nix as a first-rounder. Although his original projection teetered toward Nix becoming available in the later picks. But Cummings still believed Nix was capable of going higher and ended up at 12th overall.
The #Broncos replace Russell Wilson with Bo Nix. 👀#BroncosCountry | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/FH1FtWsfbc
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
“Nix grades out as a late first-round prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, who could field mid-first-round consideration from teams that present ideal schematic fits,” Cummings said.
He adds how Nix brings high-energy with his arm and mobility. But Cummings includes how Nix is capable of making the “off-script” throws when he’s under pressure by defenders.
Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Round 3, Pick 76
Denver turned to the defensive trenches at No. 76 by drafting Jonah Elliss of Utah.
Elliss will bring NFL bloodlines in tow. His father Luther starred for the Detroit Lions during the 1990s. And like his dad, Elliss became his own Utes star on the defensive line.
Elliss emerged as an All-American for the Utes during their final season of the Pac-12. Cummings pointed out how Elliss lacks size for EDGE at only 6’1.” However, he’s a fan of his physical strength and fundamentally sound rush edge rusher skills.
KEEP READING: Broncos 2024 Draft Grades
“Despite not being the biggest pass rusher in this class, Elliss brings very good physicality in the run game. Elliss can set the edge as well as knife into the backfield to disrupt rushers. His quickness off of the line of scrimmage gave several offensive tackles fits,” Cummings said.
However, Cummings added how Elliss can get knocked off by double-teams by tackles at the point of attack. But he comes with great grip strength with his hands that allows him to shed blockers.
Troy Franklin, WR, Round 4, Pick 102
Many draft experts were confused with Franklin still available entering the final day of the NFL Draft. His athleticism and speed would be expected to be an immediate help to any organization.
“Ultimately, with his lighter frame, Franklin may never supersede some of the issues on his scouting report,” Cummings said of Franklin. “Still, in a movement-Z role where he can be schemed touches, separate at multiple levels, and use his speed to serve as a catalyst, he can be a high-end WR2 with quality starter upside — in a similar mold to Robbie “Chosen” Anderson.”
After trading away Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns, and drafting Oregon’s Bo Nix, Sean Payton and the Broncos have moved quickly to add the top receiver from the college their quarterback dominated.
Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Round 5, Pick 145
In a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the Broncos have made moves to secure their secondary in the 2024 draft. Abrams-Draine is a solid prospect and was a potential top-100 prospect by Cummings.
“All this being said, for NFL teams that like to run a lot of off-man and zone concepts, Abrams-Draine has the tools to be an eventual starter with impact playmaking potential,” Cummings explained. “That potential may come at the cost of play strength, but Abrams-Draine’s gnawing physicality allows him to play larger than his frame.”
With proper coaching, Payton may have found a diamond in the rough cornerback in the later rounds.
Audric Estime, RB, Round 5, Pick 147
One of the best power running backs in the draft comes off the board for the Broncos in the fifth round. Estime was projected as an early day-three pick but should provide a new identity to Payton’s offense that he hasn’t had since Duce McAllister was running the football in New Orleans.
“Give Estimé a good offensive line, and he has the tools to be a David Montgomery-type yardage generator who can keep the chains moving when his team has a positive game script,” Cummings wrote. “The 20-year-old is well worth a mid-round pick and could exceed that draft billing in the right situation.”
Few offenses may be as strong for a runner as Estime in Denver.
Devaughn Vele, WR, Round 7, Pick 235
The final pick for the Denver Broncos is a reinvestment into the receiving core to build around their first-round pick in Nix. Vele isn’t the fastest receiver available, but he’s a solid route-runner who will need some time to develop after coming out of Utah. The Broncos conclude their draft with four offensive players.
Nick Gargiulo, C, Round 7, Pick 256
Gargiulo is the final pick of the Broncos draft and it is a reinvestment into the offensive line. To protect their new quarterback, the Broncos have done plenty to add to both the receiving and offensive line room for the roster.
All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!