Denver, CO

2024 NFL Draft: Hart’s final Broncos 7-round mock draft

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2024

2024 NFL Draft: Hart’s final Broncos 7-round mock draft

After a long offseason of waiting—the time is finally here. The future is now. The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few hours away from kicking off!

With that in mind, I thought it would be apt to do a final mock draft for the Denver Broncos. Keep in mind this isn’t what I would necessarily want them to do—but what could reasonably be expected due to recent rumors and musings surrounding the franchise.

One of the big bombshells dropped a few days ago. According to NFL Insider and Draft Analyst Tony Pauline, the Broncos have multiple teams interested in trading up to the #12 overall pick with the target being Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. For the purposes of this exercise, I have the Broncos trading back with the Steelers and getting a second-round and fourth-round selection in this year’s draft.

The Denver Broncos trade the #12 selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers for #20, #51 and #119.

#20 Overall — Bo Nix — Quarterback — Oregon

The Broncos traded for Zach Wilson earlier in the week, but there is little doubt in my mind they still desire to take a quarterback in this year’s draft. Nix has a lot of positive skills and traits that line up well with what Sean Payton likes in a quarterback. He is experienced, accurate, plays well within structure, and is a good timing and rhythm passer. While his arm strength isn’t the best, he did have some of the better deep ball grades in this class.

A lot of fans might not like missing out on one of the top four quarterbacks in this year’s class, but selecting Nix and getting extra picks is a win-win situation for the Broncos. They have a legitimate talent at the position who could develop into a quality starter in Payton’s system, while reaping the benefits of more selections to build a better team around him. What’s not to like?

#51 Overall — Ruke Orhorhoro — Defensive Lineman — Clemson

With the trade down, the Broncos are able to work their way into the second round and gain a much-needed selection. After securing Nix in the first, the Broncos turn their focus to the defense to fortify their trenches on that side of the ball.

I think the value for the defensive front will be good in this area of the draft. I have them adding versatile lineman Ruke Orhorhoro out of Clemson into the fold at #51 overall. Capable of playing inside and out, Orhorhoro will see plenty of action as a rookie on the outside at end who can kick inside and offer pass rushing potential on third down. I believe he has the potential to be a very good player in the National Football League.

#76 Overall — Blake Fisher — Offensive Tackle — Notre Dame

The Broncos haven’t drafted an offense tackle in ages. I think the third round offers some interesting options for the Broncos who might be looking toward the future with Garett Bolles in the final year of his contract. While Joe Alt is certainly going to be a blue-chip tackle in the NFL, I was quite impressed with Fisher who manned the right side of the Fighting Irish’s offensive line after switching from left tackle early on in his career.

He is a really good run blocker who shows good athleticism (despite average testing) getting to the second level and creating blocks downfield. I think he has solid strength and the point of attack and generally fairs well in the passing game—but there is some footwork and technique that needs to clean up before he is ready to start.

It’s important to remember he is only 21 years old. I think he has a lot of untapped potential and could very well be one of the gems from this year’s draft class. Don’t forget that Payton has a history of investing a lot of picks to fortify the offensive line, so snagging Fisher in the early third round wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Day 3 Trade: The Broncos send #119 (via Steelers in predicted trade back) and #147 to the Carolina Panthers for #101.

#101 Overall — Javon Baker — Wide Receiver — UCF

During the Broncos’ pre-draft presser, General Manger George Paton said that there are times where Sean Payton has wanted to move up and go and get his guys. I’ll assume Marvin Mims was that guy in 2023. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if another wide receiver in this year’s strong class is someone Payton really likes. The Broncos are slated to have three picks early on in the fifth-round, so giving up one of them to get a player they love doesn’t seem like a big stretch.

He didn’t test great athletically, but UCF’s Javon Baker is one of the best route-runners in this class and someone who consistently wins on routes over the middle of the field. He has a penchant for big plays in big moments. I’d describe him as physical and fearless—two traits that rank highly for me. I love the fact that he can separate against press coverage and plays really well coming back to the ball.

The Broncos do have Courtland Sutton, the aforementioned Mims, Josh Reynolds, Tim Patrick, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson at the position. However, if they end up drafting a Nix as predicted, getting another guy on a four-year contract seems like the right move.

#121 — Theo Johnson — Tight End — Penn State

Adam Trautman received a two-year contract extension this off-season and is the incumbent starter for the Broncos. However, Greg Dulcich hasn’t panned out as planned due to injury and Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins are the only other two options on the roster. Johnson tested incredibly and has the desired frame and athleticism for the position, but the production isn’t there. I know there are some that think he is a Top 100 selection, though I think he might be in for a little bit of a draft day slide.

#136 — Brennan Jackson — EDGE — Washington State

I have a feeling that the Broncos would like to address EDGE earlier than this, but Jackson in the fourth round is a nice consolation prize. He’s a high motor player who gives 100-percent effort every snap of every game. He is a strong run defender with great length who also racked up 14.5 sacks the past two years for the Cougars. He offers a bit of a different skillset than those in Denver’s room and at the very least should be a quality back up in the league for a long time.

#145 — Isaiah Davis — Running Back — South Dakota State

If the Broncos are looking to add to their running back room, South Dakota State standout Isaiah Davis would be a terrific option for them on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He is a strong north-south runner with a knack for scoring touchdowns, breaking tackles, accumulating yards after contact and churning out first downs. He would be a great pick for the Broncos and give them a true three-down option in their backfield.

#207 — Dwight McGlothern, CB — Arkansas

McGlothern was one of the most productive cornerbacks on the ball in the SEC, but his pre-draft testing was abysmal which might cause him to tumble a bit on draft day. That being said, he makes plays on the ball (7 interceptions the past two years) and had one of the highest coverage grades amongst draft-eligible corners.

#256 — Jowon Briggs, DT — Cincinatti

The Broncos use their final selection of their draft to fortify the interior of their defensive line. Briggs is at his best occupying blockers and being a force against the run, but also has some decent pass rush potential. He will have a chance to compete for one of the last roster spots for the position group.

Source link

Click to comment

Denver, CO

Family identifies teenage victim of deadly shooting at recreation center in Denver

Published

10 hours ago

May 22, 2026

Press Room

Family identifies teenage victim of deadly shooting at recreation center in Denver

Family members have identified the teenage victim of the deadly shooting at Denver’s Montbello Recreation Center as 14-year-old Mikail Nasir Khalid Payne, who went by Nasir. According to the family, Nasir was standing up for his older brother in an altercation when the shooting happened.

The shooting happened Thursday night at the Montbello Recreation Center off E. 53rd Ave in northeast Denver. Denver Police say a boy has since been arrested and is being held in custody for investigation of first-degree murder.

Nasir’s uncle, Sareef Aleem, said his two nephews went to the rec center on Thursday night. He said Nasir’s older brother was there when the shooting happened and witnessed it.

“Two kids confronted Hassan, and they put their hands on him, and as soon as Nasir stood up, another kid, a third kid that was on the side, blindsided him, and just shot him,” said Aleem. “It’s very difficult. I got the call late last night, we’re just shocked.”

Mikail Nasir Khalid Payne

Sareef Aleem

Police say those involved knew one another, and the victim, Nasir, died at the scene. Police also say it was an isolated incident.

A recreation center is known to be a safe space for many kids after school or during the summer, Nasir’s family says.

“They were created to be a safe place for our kids to go, where they didn’t have to worry about getting shot or assaulted,” said Aleem. “We need to check our kids, check their bags, check their rooms and make sure that they’re taking basketballs to the rec center and not pistols.”

Jolon Clark, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, said in a statement, “Recreation centers are more than facilities. They are gathering places where community is built, where young people learn and grow and where families come together. They have long been and remain the safest place for our youth to gather, which makes today so much harder.”

Aleem said his nephew, Nasir, was one month away from turning 15. He added that Nasir was respectful, kind, and had an entrepreneurial spirit.

“He used to help his family with their landscaping business on a regular basis. He also used to sell little perfume oils right here in this neighborhood and at the car wash over there. People knew him and respected him,” said Aleem.

“He was well-mannered, courteous, excellent character,” said Imam Abdur-Rahim Ali.

Abdur-Rahim Ali and others gathered at an Islamic Center on Friday, a day of worship for the Islamic community, where Nasir and his family visit often.

“I knew him from coming here for services. He was very intelligent, respectful individual. He came in and made prayer on a frequent basis, and just a respectful youth,” said Abdur-Rahim Ali. “The main day of worship for us is on Fridays, so many people came today, and we told them what happened. Of course, it’s a shock.”

Aleem said in Islamic tradition, family members try to bury their loved ones within 24 hours. As Memorial Day Weekend is just ahead, he added it’s been a burden on the family to take care of before the holiday.

“His family is distraught right now. They’re trying to process what happened. His family just wants everybody to know that he was a good kid, and he didn’t deserve this,” said Aleem. “It’s just a shame that he’s not around to fulfill his dreams.”

The family is also raising money to cover funeral costs.

As the investigation is underway, the Montbello Recreation Center is also closed until further notice.

In a statement from Mayor Mike Johnston, he said, “No statement can capture the grief we feel today. Our hearts are broken. To the family of the victim and the entire Montbello community, know that you have our deepest sympathies and our unwavering support.”

In a statement from the Denver City Council, they said: “The Denver City Council joins Mayor Mike Johnston in extending heartfelt sympathies to the victim’s family, Montbello residents, young people, and the staff at the Montbello Recreation Center following Thursday’s tragic shooting.”

Denver Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call 720‑913‑7867.

Source link

Denver, CO

Agency releases claim on $5 million of $7.5 million owed for new Broncos stadium

Published

22 hours ago

May 22, 2026

Press Room

Agency releases claim on million of .5 million owed for new Broncos stadium

When the Colorado Department of Transportation’s investment arm had the chance to buy the idle Burnham Yard from Union Pacific in early 2021 for $50 million, money was tight.

CDOT turned to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade for a $7.5 million loan, which, together with a $7.5 million down payment from the High Performance Transportation Enterprise or HPTE, allowed a $35 million commercial bank loan to move forward in May of that year.

The deal was touted as a once-in-a-generation opportunity that would allow Interstate 25 between Colfax and Santa Fe to be widened and straightened. The purchase could improve transit access, including serving as a potential hub for a Front Range Passenger Rail line.

Not only would frustrated commuters gain back the countless hours of time they were losing to a poor road design, but chances were good that CDOT could make money on flipping the land it didn’t need.

Definitely enough to repay OEDIT, Shoshana Lew, CDOT’s executive director at the time, reassured commissioners.

None of that is happening.

CDOT will sell the 58 acres of Burnham Yard to the Denver Broncos, who are looking to build a new stadium on the site, for $45.8 million, less than what it paid.

After a deeper dive, CDOT nixed its original plans for transit improvements and found the land was more contaminated than expected. It also realized that straightening out I-25 was going to cost billions of dollars it didn’t have.

But not all was lost. A $4 billion football stadium and entertainment district will go into the area, with transit upgrades to serve that new use.

And as for the $7.5 million loan that is owed to OEDIT, only $2.5 million will go back into the state’s Strategic Fund, which is used to recruit employers and fund economic development programs across the state.

The fund has about $3.8 million left.

“What we are asking for today is to convert $5 million of the $7.5 million overall loan into a grant to make the rest of the infrastructure commitments that we’ve made happen,” Lisa Kaufmann, strategic adviser to Gov. Jared Polis, told the Economic Development Commission on Thursday morning.

The money would help fund a relocation of the main rail line, improve road access from Interstate 25, and eliminate three at-grade rail crossings.

For the “modest investment” in public infrastructure, the state would get billions of dollars in private investment, Kaufmann said.

And if that weren’t enough to sway the commissioners, Kaufmann reminded them that the reason the Strategic Fund even had the dollars to lend out was that she had lobbied to get $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds in there.

Source link