A spectacular reset for the Denver Broncos led the team to a playoff appearance and earned them their potential franchise quarterback of the future in Bo Nix. However, after losing in the Wild Card Round, taking that next step forward is going to be a necessity for Sean Payton & Co.
During free agency, the team was hell-bent on improving an already excellent defense to take it to the next level. However, the latest mock draft from PFSN is bringing the recipe for how Denver can approach their time in Green Bay.
20) TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and all the first-round smoke has been billowing around TreVeyon Henderson. The Denver Broncos hosted Henderson on a 30 visit along with several other teams in the mid-first range, but Denver might be in the best position to take him.
The Broncos’ roster is solid across the board, and Henderson can be one of Sean Payton’s final offensive pieces. Henderson has the seam-stretching speed and vision to be a home-run threat while taking volume. He’s also the perfect third-down back in the pass game.
51) Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
With his speed, electric short-area twitch, and big-play generation at multiple levels, Jaylin Noel can be Sean Payton’s modern iteration of 2017 Ted Ginn — only better.
Noel projects as a slot receiver who can win at all three levels of the field. He likely will never be a focal point of their offense. Courtland Sutton can maintain that position, but he clearly has starting-level ability and is a plus on special teams.
85) Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
Sean Payton wants his high-quality tight end target, and the Broncos have met with Gunnar Helm twice. His smooth receiving profile and RAC ability fit what they need. If Helm tests a bit more explosive than anticipated and can hone in on the minor technical improvements as a route runner, he would be the perfect target for a quarterback of Nix’s caliber.
122) Teddye Buchanan, LB, California
A high-floor, low-ceiling prospect, Teddye Buchanan has immense potential as a special-teams talent with some defensive upside as a depth piece. While his physical traits leave something to be desired, his football IQ makes up for those deficiencies to some extent.
191) Thor Griffith, DT, Louisville
The opposite of Buchanan, Thor Griffith, doesn’t have the natural feel yet, and his production against NFL-caliber players is going to be a major hurdle. But he has the physical gifts that could vault him into a consistently productive starter. However, it might take a year before fans in the Mile High City get a taste of their rookie’s talent.
197) Garrett Dellinger, OG, LSU
Another player that might be a more long-term prospect than an immediate contributor, Garrett Dellinger has ample experience and positional versatility that should make him a valuable addition to the team’s depth in the long run. But with power and run schemes more favorable to him, adding him with Henderson might be a smart bet for both men.
208) Isas Waxter, CB, Villanova
Big and physical, Isas Waxter can be the opposite of Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. He is exceptional when the ball is in front of him, but struggles with speedier receivers. While he could shift to secondary, even as a corner, he has upside in specific packages for the Broncos.