The Denver Broncos ended their eight-year playoff drought in 2024 with rookie quarterback Bo Nix looking like the real deal. The Broncos went 10-7 in the regular season and secured a Wild Card berth in Week 18. They hold the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could give Nix another weapon to work with.
Head coach Sean Payton has the quarterback he wants and now wants to find a “Joker” to add to his offense. In PFSN’s latest mock draft, Denver is predicted to add a “Generational Talent” to bolster its lackluster running back situation.
Denver Broncos Select Heisman Runner-Up in Latest PFSN Mock Draft
Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning recently expressed his confidence that Denver’s head coach and GM have his former team headed in the right direction. The team shocked the football world by selecting quarterback Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He fought through a rocky start to end up in the Offensive Rookie of the Year discussion, throwing for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Nix was a major bright spot for Denver’s offense last season, with little consistency from other position groups. Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton led the team with 81 receptions, 1,081 yards, and eight touchdowns. However, no other player eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
The running back room was a massive disappointment with a three-headed monster that never got any traction. Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime were the primary options, and none gained more than 513 yards (Williams) on the ground. Williams led the way with four rushing scores and added 346 receiving yards.
McLaughlin gained 496 yards on 26 fewer carries but only added one score, and Estime totaled 310 yards and two touchdowns. For Payton’s offense to take the next step, the team has to invest an early pick in its running back room, and PFSN’s Brentley Weissman predicts they’ll select Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty at No. 20.
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Weissman wrote, “This is probably my favorite pick of this mock draft and one I hope actually happens. The Denver Broncos’ offense last season was a fun watch, but it was very evident that their running game was letting them down. Opposing defenses used light boxes as they knew none of the Broncos’ running backs could provide any juice or incite fear.
“Jeanty is one of this class’s best players and would be a surefire top-10 pick if he was a bit bigger. He slides a bit here, but this would be a home-run selection for Denver and would instantly improve the team’s running game.”
Jeanty was one of the most prolific running backs college football has ever seen. In his final season, he led the FBS in carries (374) and rushing yards (2,601). He had 29 rushing touchdowns and added one more through the air for 30 total scores in 2024.
The Boise State product left college with 50 rushing touchdowns and 4,769 rushing yards. He won the Maxwell Award (Most Outstanding Collegiate Player of the Year) and was named to the All-American team, in addition to finishing second for the Heisman Trophy.
He’s the best running back in this year’s draft and could fit Payton’s “Joker” role with his receiving ability. Getting Jeanty 20th overall would be a steal for Denver.