Denver Broncos mock draft 2024: Sean Payton gets a franchise QB

Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Moving on from Russell Wilson was the biggest move of the Denver Broncos’ offseason. So far. There are still plans of finding a new franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft for Sean Payton to mold into a star. Quarterback is the biggest need but not the only weakness addressed in our 2024 Broncos mock draft.

Before we get to our latest Denver Broncos mock draft, here’s everything you need to know about their draft capital and team needs.

Denver Broncos draft picks 2024

Here are the Denver Broncos draft picks ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft

1st Round, 12th overall
3rd Round, 76th overall
4th Round, 121st overall
5th Round, 136th overall

5th Round, 145th overall
5th Round, 147th overall
6th Round, 203rd overall
6th Round, 207th overall

Denver Broncos team needs 2024

Here are the Broncos team needs ahead of the 2024 NFL mock draft.

Quarterback
Edge Rusher
iOL
Cornerback
Tight End

Defensive Line
Linebacker
Running Back
Wide Receiver

Also Read:
8 Denver Broncos QB solutions for 2024, including one surprising option

2024 Denver Broncos mock draft: Replenishing talent on both sides of the ball

First Round, 12th overall: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Without enough draft capital to move up for one of the top four quarterbacks, the Broncos get the next best thing with Michael Penix Jr. While this may be a bit earlier than some expect, the Raiders are lurking at No. 13 and have just as big of a need at QB. Plus, there are always a few other teams who could be targeting the Washington gunslinger.

Penix not only has a big arm and has been very productive in college, but he also recently showed how mobile he could be by clocking a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. That type of mobility could play well in Sean Payton’s system. With the arm talent Penix has, the Broncos could revive a high-scoring offense that can hang with any opponent they face, but he does have some footwork and ball placement issues to work on too.

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

Despite drafting Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto in two of the past three years, the Broncos need more help with their pass rush. Landing Jonah Elliss in the third round is a good get with the 76th pick. The son of former first-round DT Luther Elliss, Jonah also has three other brothers currently in the NFL. He definitely has the pedigree, and he also has the production, having recorded 13 sacks last season alone.

At 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, Elliss isn’t the biggest edge rusher in the class. Yet, he uses this quickness to his advantage while also benefitting from having a wide array of pass-rush moves that help him get home. Possessing fast hands and a high IQ, Elliss can make an impact at the next level.

4th Round, 121st overall: Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas

The Broncos can’t afford to escape the 2024 NFL Draft without addressing the center position. Last year’s starter Lloyd Cushenberry III departed for Tennessee in free agency. In-house replacements Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth have combined for just 128 career NFL snaps, leaving very little experience at the pivot in a season where the Broncos may be breaking in a new quarterback.

Arkansas’ Beaux Limmer can help the Broncos improve a rushing offense that ranked just 21st in average yards per carry, but he may need to improve as a pass blocker after allowing nine hurries and three sacks during his final season with the Razorbacks. Limmer also has experience playing guard, which could lead to Quinn Meinerz taking over at center, but moving him away from right guard, where he’s been very good, may not be ideal.