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.