Photos: Every 2024 draft prospect analysts mocked to the Denver Broncos in the first round

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"The Broncos would probably love this, but it won't happen. Even this is a little high for McCarthy in my book. But the Broncos have to get one, so it makes sense." – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (April 24)

"There's a good chance that some team will trade up into the top 10 to draft McCarthy (and it might be the Broncos), but if that scenario doesn't materialize, Denver will run to the podium to hand this pick in. McCarthy has a live arm, good mobility, and a steely demeanor. He gives Sean Payton a new franchise quarterback to build around." – The Ringer (April 23)

"Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of buzz about J.J. McCarthy and his draft stock. He is a lock to be the No. 4 quarterback off the board, and he may slide into the top 10. McCarthy would be an outstanding fit in Sean Payton's offense and give the Denver Broncos a long-term answer at quarterback." – Marcus Mosher, 33rd Team (Feb. 19)

"I have mocked J.J. McCarthy higher than most in the media for awhile. He is not a finished product, but when searching for a consistent commodity and a proven winner, McCarthy is difficult to top. He is liked more in the league than the media." – Josh Edwards, CBS Sports (Feb. 18)

"McCarthy is an accuracy merchant with very good mobility. Scouts believe he offers more as a thrower than we saw during his last season at Michigan, when the Wolverines leaned heavily on a dominant defense and run game." – Field Yates, ESPN (April 14)

"This could be too high for McCarthy. But a lot of teams need a quarterback, including Denver, which is low on capital. McCarthy's 20, runs with great acceleration, has arm talent and is a great athlete. He has some ball-placement issues to overcome, but there are more positives than negatives." – Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (April 12)

"McCarthy would be a good fit after those other QBs are off the board." – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News (Feb. 12)

"Michigan's J.J. McCarthy isn't on the same tier as Drake Maye, Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels. But he presents intriguing upside as a 21-year-old prospect who has yet to fully tap into his potential thanks to a run-first Michigan Wolverines offense." – Bleacher Report (Feb. 12)

"NFL evaluators have described McCarthy's processing as 'elite' in my conversations with them. Drew Brees was a great processer, but he didn't have the same athletic ability that McCarthy offers. This just feels like a Sean Payton pick." – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (Feb. 5)

"... The Wolverines star is an instinctive and accurate passer who makes plays to win games. He has really good ball placement, hitting 72.3% of his throws this season. Scouts have mixed opinions on McCarthy – mainly surrounding his role in Michigan's run-heavy scheme – and he's no lock to go on Day 1, but he has the chance to be a solid NFL starter." – Jordan Reid, ESPN (Jan. 10)

Marcus Mosher, The 33rd Team (Jan. 12)

Round 1, No. 4 overall (via mock trade)

"Sean Payton gives up first- and third-round picks in 2025 for his quarterback of the future. McCarthy's lack of volume in college might be seen as a negative by some, but perhaps not to Payton, who might think it'll make it easier to mold the athletic former Wolverine into a top-level quarterback." – Chad Reuter, NFL.com (April 5)

"McCarthy is a tough, instinctive and accurate quarterback with above-average mobility and great play from the pocket. I'm not saying he's Drew Brees, but the style of play would fit very well with what Payton ran in New Orleans. McCarthy is relatively inexperienced with just 28 starts in college, but he left Michigan with a 27-1 record. He completed 72.1% of his passes and threw only four picks last season, and his third-down QBR of 86.7 was 11th-best in the nation." – Matt Miller, ESPN (March 27)

Round 1, No. 5 overall (via mock trade)

"The first real fireworks of the draft come with a rare intradivision trade, with the Broncos shipping the No. 12 overall selection as well as their first-round pick next year to the Chargers, providing Sean Payton with the perfect quarterback for his offense." – Rob Rang, FOX Sports (April 23)

Round 1, No. 10 overall (via mock trade)

"This trade presents a more palatable scenario for the Broncos since they don't have a ton of draft resources to throw at their QB problem. The move up two spots doesn't cost them any future first-round picks and nets Sean Payton a QB who is a proven winner with a savvy football IQ. The assets that would've otherwise been dealt in a move higher up the board can now be invested in building around McCarthy for the future." – Rhett Lewis, NFL.com (April 9)

(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"No team has been more difficult to size up in the first round during this pre-draft process than Denver. The Broncos could of course be in the market for a quarterback, with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson atop the depth chart at the moment. But they also have short- and long-term needs that better align with how the board might fall at No. 12. That includes a pass-rusher, as Denver was tied for 21st in sacks last season at 42. Turner, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, would provide an immediate boost. He tallied 10 sacks in 2023." – Field Yates, ESPN (April 25)

"The Broncos' 3-4 defense doesn't have a double-digit sack performer, and Turner's first-step speed, length and bend around the edge would fit well in an outside linebacker role." – Matt Miller, ESPN (April 24)

"The Broncos make Turner the first defensive player selected. He's a high-ceiling rusher with an ascending skill set to get to the quarterback." – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (April 24)

"Turner earned an 89.3 PFF pass-rush grade in 2023, racking up 55 total pressures (including 22 combined sacks and hits) from 292 pass-rushing snaps. He's also a phenomenal athlete, putting up a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash and impressive vertical and broad jumps. At just 21, there's so much room for him to grow, and he has the production and athletic profile to make you think he can be a special player." – Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus (April 23)

"General manager George Paton said last week the Broncos "have to hit" on this pick with an impact player. Despite their glaring need at quarterback, the fifth QB on the board in this spot might not bring that impact. If they don't trade down in this scenario, the best player available is either Turner or Florida State defensive end Jared Verse. Turner, who should be an immediate contributor, gets the nod." – Jeff Legwold, ESPN (April 23)

"Instead of taking a QB here, such as Michael Penix Jr., Denver opts to lock up a top defender. Turner's speed and length instantly upgrade a mediocre Broncos pass rush. I could see Denver using him as a designated pass rusher in Year 1, at least until he gets stronger and his body matures. But the sky's the limit for the former Alabama star." – Chad Reuter, NFL.com (April 19)

"While Turner's pass-rushing upside might not be as high as other top-tier edge defenders that get selected in the top half of the draft, he is an extremely useful and versatile player who can play the run, drop into coverage or rush the passer at a winning level." – Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, Yahoo! Sports (March 8)

"Denver ends up in a tough spot here with the favored quarterbacks off the board, but it can bolster another premium position that needs an infusion of talent." – Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, Yahoo! Sports (Feb. 20)

"With offensive players dominating the top 10, defensive players start to dominate the middle of the first round. The Denver Broncos must figure out their quarterback situation, but they have bigger issues on defense. Dallas Turner is one of the higher-ceiling pass rushers in the class with the high-end traits needed to develop into a double-digit sack guy." – Connor Livesay, The 33rd Team (Jan. 8)

Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus (Jan. 8)

(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"I'm not sure how this all works out for the Broncos. They could very well go up and get J.J. McCarthy, or they could hang tight at No. 12 and take Nix ... or they could stay put and take the best player available (QB or non-QB). I do know there are fans of Nix in the building. Let's see." – Peter Schrager, NFL.com (April 25)

"No, this week's trade for former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson does not take Denver out of the QB market. Sean Payton was never afraid to use future draft capital to secure a player he coveted while head coach in New Orleans. To move up this year, the Broncos will likely have to part with their first-rounder in 2025. ... But what if they don't have to do so?" – Charles Davis, NFL.com (April 24)

"Betting on being good enough to support a quarterback like Bo Nix is simply the better bet, given how the quarterback market and the rookie wage scale work." – Timo Riske, Pro Football Focus (April 24)

"Bo Nix works for a lot of what they want to do. A lot of underneath stuff. Sixty-one college starts; 22-5 with Oregon. Is he going to move around a lot? No. There are some Drew Brees qualities. Highly productive. Very coachable. Super accurate." – Colin Cowherd, FOX Sports (April 19)

"Nix has some accuracy comparisons to Drew Brees, so it makes sense that Brees' former Saints coach Sean Payton would covet those attributes." – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News (April 17)

"Nix has the mobility, accuracy – yes, some of his record 77.5% completion rate in 2023 was juiced by the Ducks' offense – and quick decision-making coach Sean Payton values, plus a nose for the goal line (38 rushing TDs in five college seasons)." – Nate Davis, USA TODAY (April 9)

"Nix's accuracy and processing speed would appeal to coach Sean Payton, as he finished his college career by completing 77.4% of his passes in 2023 -- an FBS single-season record. His tape was impressive to watch." – Field Yates, ESPN (April 3)

"It really will be interesting to see if it goes this way. Can the Broncos avoid a costly trade-up and still land a quarterback? Yes. But can Nix be the QB who can elevate Sean Payton's team? I'm less sure about that. But what other options are there at this point? I'd feel much better if Denver could move down and still get Nix." – Eric Edholm, NFL.com (March 29)

"Nix isn't going to be for every team, but [Sean] Payton might see a little Drew Brees in him. He's a super-fast processor who can make every throw and was one of the most productive passers in college football the past two seasons." – Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (March 19)

"[Michael] Penix [Jr.] or Nix? Bo Nix fits Sean Payton. I've been pounding this drum for a long time." – Joel Klatt, FOX Sports (March 18)

"Quarterbacks are flying off the board in this scenario, and with Denver not scheduled to pick again until the third round, it must act decisively to add one now." – Field Yates, ESPN (March 16)

Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire (Feb. 17)

"Nix is coming off a solid showing at the Senior Bowl, where team scouts raved about his interviews and the work he did in practice. Nix, who started for three seasons at Auburn before transferring to Oregon in 2022, is experienced and pro-ready, and he has the accuracy (nation-leading 77.4% completion rate) and second-effort mobility to work well with coach Sean Payton's scheme." – Matt Miller, ESPN (Feb. 5)

"... Nix became an awesome point guard after transferring to Oregon, and that's precisely what Sean Payton would ask him to do in his offense." – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (Jan. 17)

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News (Jan. 17)

Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network (Jan. 17)

Round 1, No. 15 overall (via mock trade)

"Sean Payton gets his point-guard quarterback, and the Broncos get a third-round pick in return from the Colts in this slide back (pick No. 82 overall)." – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (April 17)

Round 1, No. 18 overall (via mock trade)

"Nix has the experience and intelligence to be a good fit in Denver." – Dan Parr, NFL.com (Feb. 16)

Round 1, No. 19 overall (via mock trade)

"Denver trades down, gets a QB and acquires extra capital — tough to beat that." – Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (April 8)

Round 1, No. 20 overall (via mock trade)

"There's nothing Sean Payton loves more than an accurate quarterback and during the 2023 college season, there was no one more accurate than Nix, who led all FBS quarterbacks in completion percentage." – John Breech, CBS Sports (April 23)

Round 1, No. 22 overall (via mock trade)

"I don't see the Broncos taking Nix at No. 12, and I know they'd like to fill the current Round 2 hole on their draft docket. This move allows them to add a second-rounder from Philly and come away with Nix, who looks to be a great fit for Sean Payton's offense." – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (April 24)

"The correlation between Nix's skill set and that of QBs who have played under Denver coach Sean Payton is impossible to ignore. Nix is accurate, poised and decisive -- all traits Payton covets." – Jordan Reid, ESPN (April 22)

"The public discourse around Nix varies. Some people think he fits nicely in Denver. Others don't think it would work quite as well. Most people seem to think Round 2 is more likely for Nix. That feels right to me, too, but if Penix goes as high as he does in this mock, the Broncos might not want to risk another team swooping in for Nix. They're clearly a tough team to peg right now. But one way or another, the Broncos are getting a quarterback, and I don't foresee them getting too precious about it." – Eric Edholm, NFL.com (April 22)

Round 1, No. 27 overall (via mock trade)

"Denver's gamble that a quarterback it wants is still on the board pays off as the Broncos deal next year's first-rounder to grab Nix, who has drawn some comparisons to Sean Payton's former star Drew Brees." – Bruce Feldman, The Athletic (April 4)

Round 1, No. 31 overall (via mock trade)

"To get that extra year on the rookie deal, the Broncos move back into Round 1 for Nix, who Payton will likely love due to his vast collegiate experience and the maturation he showed as a quick decision-maker from the pocket at Oregon. In this deal, the 49ers move this selection and a 2025 fourth-round pick and receive Denver's 2025 first-rounder and No. 76 in this draft (third round)." – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (Feb. 16)

(AP Photo/Andy Nelson, File)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Despite everyone waiting for Denver to trade up for a quarterback, I have heard the Broncos are quietly putting feelers out there to move back and add another pick. If that doesn't come to fruition, Mitchell becomes an instant starter across from Pat Surtain II."- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (April 25)

"This is a tough one for the Denver Broncos. I think it's too early for a quarterback, so I'm going to take Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo." – The 33rd Team (April 22)

"As it stands, they stand pat and draft Quinyon Mitchell to play opposite Patrick Surtain II. Good luck throwing against the Broncos." – Josh Edwards, CBS Sports (April 19)

"The Broncos decide to wait to make their move for a quarterback. They would probably love to trade down from this spot and add some draft capital, but if they can't find a partner, pairing Mitchell with Pat Surtain II in the pursuit of slowing down division foe Patrick Mahomes figures to be an attractive option." – Dan Parr, NFL.com (April 18)

"Pairing Mitchell will Patrick Surtain will make the Broncos secondary a force, even with the loss of Justin Simmons." – Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports (April 11)

"Denver can look to improve a defense that ranked 30th in yards per play allowed (5.8) last season and pair Mitchell with Pat Surtain. Mitchell, my top-ranked cornerback, had 46 pass breakups in four seasons at Toledo, and he ripped off an elite 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He's ready to play early and often as a rookie." – Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (April 10)

"[I]n Mitchell, they can add another defensive back gem opposite Patrick Surtain. The Florida native backed up all the buzz that had built around him entering Indianapolis." – Bruce Feldman, The Athletic (April 4)

"The Broncos don't own a second-round pick, so they might have interest in moving back and adding more draft currency. If not, Mitchell has the athletic and cover traits to start early opposite Pro Bowl CB Pat Surtain II." – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (April 2)

"Instead of reaching for a quarterback here, the Broncos add Mitchell, who should make a great running mate opposite Pro Bowl CB Pat Surtain II." – Charles Davis, NFL.com (March 28)

"The Broncos select Quinyon Mitchell to pair with Patrick Surtain II to give them one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL." – Marcus Mosher, 33rd Team (March 15)

Luke Easterling, Sports Illustrated (March 15)

"Don't let the small-school pedigree fool you. Placing Mitchell on the same field as Patrick Surtain [II] would create a no-fly zone in the Mile High City. He was clearly the best cornerback in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Mitchell is a proven ball-hawk who wins with a mixture of elite athleticism and physicality." – Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune (Feb. 16)

(AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Sean Payton's essentially rebuilding the Broncos from scratch, and a premier pass rusher is a critical need. Verse is an energetic QB hunter with the potential to rack up double-digit sacks in the NFL." – Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (April 23)

"They pass on a quarterback here, although they could trade down and take a quarterback. For this draft, they stay put and add an edge player in Jared Verse." – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports (April 11)

"Verse would walk in as the team's most talented player at the position, and his physical playing style next to Zach Allen would go a long way toward rebuilding Denver's defensive front." – Bleacher Report (April 10)

"Sean Payton is rebuilding the Broncos, with a premier pass rusher among the team's top needs. Verse is an energetic sack artist with the potential to reach double digits in that category." – Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (March 26)

"Denver is another potential landing spot for a quarterback. In this exercise, though, they complement some of the young talent in the secondary with a difference-maker up front." – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Feb. 20)

"QB is a huge need here, but Sean Payton doesn't have a history of rolling the dice with rookie QBs. Instead, the Broncos bolster the pass rush with Jared Verse." – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Feb. 15)

"The Broncos have some pieces on defense coming off the edge in Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto, but they need a bona fide game wrecker. That's what Verse has been for Florida State these past two seasons, with heavyweight hands and knock back power." – Connor Rogers, NBC Sports (Jan. 11)

Round 1, No. 17 overall (via mock trade)

"At 6 feet 4 and 260 pounds, he also can be the Broncos' first true edge-setter in the run game since they traded away Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins in 2022." – Nick Kosmider, The Athletic (March 19)

(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Penix Jr. has an NFL-level arm talent in addition to two years of good health and top-tier production in a spread-out shotgun offense." – Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus (April 9)

Round 1, No. 27 overall (via mock trade)

"The QB4 question is a tough one. Neither Penix nor McCarthy is an obvious first-round pick as I sit on things today. McCarthy could emerge as that fourth quarterback in the class, but he also could go back to school. Meanwhile, Penix's improvement over the last two years at Washington is undeniable. However, there are still areas of his game — after six years and several season-ending injuries — that will give scouts pause. On the plus side, he's the most confident vertical college passer we've seen since Joe Burrow, which counts for something." – Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (Jan. 10)

Round 1, No. 30 overall (via mock trade)

"After trading down twice to add draft capital, the Broncos move up and snag their quarterback." – Rob Maaddi, Associated Press (April 18)

(AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"His hand usage is fantastic — fast, precise and, most importantly, with purpose. He has a wide variety of pass-rush moves and counters that appear second nature to him. He is also a versatile edge defender, playing a near-even split of left- and right-side snaps with a good mix of two- and three-point stances." – Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus (April 20)

"Viewed by many as the best pure pass rusher in the draft, Latu absolutely could end up in Denver if the board falls this way. The Broncos would, of course, love to move up and get a top-four quarterback, but I just don't think they have the ammunition. They'd have to really love Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. to take either at No. 12 overall. (Like really, REALLY love.) So Latu's the prediction here." – Peter Schrager, NFL.com (April 16)

"For my money, Laiatu Latu is the top edge rusher in this class and fills a big void in the Denver Broncos defense. Latu's toolbox is the deepest in this class, and he can win with speed, power and technique from multiple alignments." – Connor Livesay, 33rd Team (Feb. 12)

Round 1, No. 17 overall (via mock trade)

"The Broncos weren't able to secure a top-five quarterback in this mock draft, but they were able to pick up multiple picks and still add a top-12 player from our big board. Edge defender isn't necessarily the biggest need for the Broncos who have multiple solid role players, but Latu would still be an upgrade to the defense." – Nathan Jahnke, Pro Football Focus (April 17)

(AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Things will get extremely interesting at this pick. The Denver Broncos don't have a second-round pick or a bonafide starting quarterback option on the roster. That's led to many assumptions they'll grab Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. here, but the buzz around both players is they'll fall to Day 2."- Ian Valentino, The 33rd Team (April 24)

"The Broncos need a quarterback, but after the early run on the position in this exercise, they take the top cornerback in Daniel Jeremiah's prospect rankings. Arnold is a dawg with the ability to lock down WR1s at the next level. Putting him opposite Patrick Surtain II would make this CB duo a nightmare for any offense." – Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com (April 4)

"For the Broncos, Arnold has the SEC pedigree, and after the success with Patrick Surtain [II], going back to the Alabama well was an easy choice." – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (March 19)

"When you're stuck in a division with Patrick Mahomes for the foreseeable future, it might help to have a couple of lockdown corners to slow him down." – Danny Kelly, The Ringer (March 15)

"I debated passing on a cornerback here. With Patrick Surtain II, the CB1 spot is clearly secured in Denver, and the emergence of Ja'Quan McMillian this season is huge for the slot corner position. With Riley Moss waiting in the wings, the Broncos could pass on drafting their CB2 here and go after OL or DL help—but I love the idea of a high-ceiling prospect in Arnold, who is wicked quick and physical as all get out, running opposite Surtain." – The Ringer (Feb. 14)

"The combination of Patrick Surtain II and Terrion Arnold gives Denver one of the best cornerback rooms in football, in theory." – Josh Edwards, CBS Sports (Jan. 18)

"There won't be a consensus CB1, but Arnold has the best package of traits — and I know several NFL scouts who feel the same way. Though he's not the most disciplined corner in the draft, Arnold is a top-tier athlete with outstanding competitiveness and ball production (17 passes defended and five interceptions in 2023)." – Dane Brugler, The Athletic (Jan. 16)

(AP Photo/Thomas Graning)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"What head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos decide to do this draft is anyone's guess. They could address any position in the first round and I would understand why they did so. In this current situation, Payton decides to juice up his pass catchers with Bowers, a different kind of mismatch player than Jimmy Graham, but a player with whom Payton will have a field day in moving around the formation and creating matchup advantages." – Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, Yahoo! Sports (April 24)

"Many mocks have pegged the Denver Broncos as a quarterback team, and maybe they ultimately are. However, multiple people have stressed that the organization likes Jarrett Stidham much more than the general public understands. If that is the case, Sean Payton goes out and gets him another weapon with Brock Bowers." – Ari Meirov, The 33rd Team (April 22)

"There is a gravitational pull to take Bo Nix, but the value is not there at 12. Instead, coach Sean Payton takes a player who can be a joker — a wild card — in his offense and provide much-needed yards in the middle of field for years to come." – Troy Renck, The Denver Post [via Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times] (April 22)

"To take a quarterback or not? That's a dilemma I'm sure Denver is weighing heavily. Ultimately, it felt a little too soon for me, and Bowers is a special prospect. He would instantly upgrade the entire passing game, no matter who is throwing the ball." – Field Yates, ESPN (April 15)

"I know tight end is not a pressing need for the Broncos, but this is a 'best player available' situation." – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (March 19)

"Sean Payton knows the impact an electric tight end can have on an offense, and can't pass on Bowers here." – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (Feb. 16)

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"There is a long road between now and the draft. We'll be watching to see what Denver does at the quarterback position, but Broncos Country, your team would immediately improve if you pick this very dynamic Iowa CB. Adding DeJean to complement Pat Surtain II would be pretty special. He has experience in off coverage, which allowed me to measure how he takes straight lines at a rate in the top 18 percentile (this can also be considered a gauge of his ball-tracking ability)." – Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com (Feb. 9)

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"I know many will pine for a quarterback, but I think the Broncos will be hard-pressed to land a worthy talent at the position in this lofty draft slot. Instead, they could pivot to upgrading the interior D-line with an explosive penetrator such as Murphy, even if this feels a tad high for him." – Eric Edholm, NFL.com (Feb. 2)

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Round 1, No. 3 overall (via mock trade)

"With many quarterback-needy teams potentially looking to move up to secure a signal-caller, Denver could get aggressive here. Daniels has the sound mechanics and touch to attack all levels of the field in Sean Payton's offense, as well as the out-of-structure ability to take the system to the next level the Broncos had hoped for when acquiring Russell Wilson." – Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus (April 24)

(AP Photo/Derick Hingle, File)

Round 1, No. 17 overall (via mock trade)

"After trading down to net a second-round pick -- something the Broncos don't currently have in the real world, which could be problematic if they're interested in a QB like Bo Nix -- Denver scoops up an athletic pass protector who still needs some refinement as a run blocker. With left tackle Garett Bolles entering a contract season, Denver fortifies an expensive position via a cheap rookie contract." – Gennaro Filice, NFL.com (April 11)

"Fashanu ... has all the physical tools to be an upper-echelon pass protector." – Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY (Feb. 12)

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Round 1, No. 2 overall (via mock trade)

"Teams such as the Falcons, Raiders, Broncos and Vikings will all be looking to move up for a quarterback. Here, I have an aggressive Sean Payton moving from No. 12 to No. 2 by giving up the same compensation package the 49ers offered to move up from No. 12 to No. 3 for Trey Lance in 2021." – Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus (Feb. 12)

Round 1, No. 4 overall (via mock trade)

"With Harrison off the board, the Cardinals acquire a 2025 first-round pick, along with a third-rounder this year, to swap places with Denver. Head coach Sean Payton gets his new quarterback." – Chad Reuter, NFL.com (Feb. 12)

(AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Fuaga can compete for a spot at guard as a rookie while being the long-term plan at tackle." – Dane Brugler, The Athletic (April 17)

(AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Sean Payton has his eyes on another quarterback later in the draft and instead looks to tighten up the blocking unit with the selection of Troy Fautanu." – Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (April 11)

(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"Coleman is a physical receiver who is explosive and can make plays — exactly the type of dominant skill set the Broncos need." – Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network (Jan. 7)

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Round 1, No. 12 overall

"... [Denver] could target wide receiver — and Rome Odunze, who reminds me of A.J. Brown, has been special for the Huskies this season." – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Jan. 15)

(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)