The Denver Broncos have to be overjoyed with how their 2024-25 season went. Not only did they get out from under the Russell Wilson contract, the Broncos also potentially found their quarterback of the future in Bo Nix, who led them to a playoff appearance in his rookie season.
Still, Nix’s numbers didn’t jump off the page, as Denver’s offense was middling at best without true game-changing playmakers on the roster. As a result, the Broncos relied heavily on the defense. Yet, one analyst is predicting that the team might find its offensive answers in the draft in the shape of a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Denver Broncos Predicted To Trade Up for Ashton Jeanty
Last season, Denver had the best defense in the NFL, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. However, its offense finished middle of the pack (16th overall) and, thus, will be head coach Sean Payton’s focus this offseason.
Allegedly, he’s been looking for a “joker” who can be a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to rushing and receiving. And with the 20th pick in a class loaded with playmakers, finding a valuable name isn’t out of the question.
Meanwhile, one ESPN analyst believes the Broncos need to be proactive with their decision-making. And rather than waiting until pick 20, he has them trading up to snag Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
“The Broncos may have to trade up from the No. 20 position to get Jeanty, perhaps needing to jump ahead of the Cowboys at No. 12. But the combination of Jeanty and this line — where all five starters are expected to be back for 2025 — might make this bold move worth it.”
In his final season with Boise State, Jeanty finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, tallying 2,601 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns. He dragged them to the College Football Playoff almost singlehandedly and solidified himself as the best running back in this year’s class.
And, with an offensive line that was the best in run block rate on the season and finishing first in PFSN’s OL+ ranking, adding an explosive ground athlete looks like a match made in heaven.
In one of PFSN’s latest mock drafts, the Broncos do indeed go after Jeanty, albeit with their own pick. The Dallas Cowboys, who have multiple contract extensions, along with the recent news of Zack Martin’s retirement to deal with, might have to focus on other positions in the draft.
Simultaneously, they might have found their man in the backfield in Rico Dowdle, who despite a slow start, finished the year with 1,079 rushing yards on a solid 4.6 yards per attempt. Allowing him to grow in the system might be a better idea for the Cowboys.
That would allow Denver to go after Jeanty and find a perfect running mate to make the Nix-led offense more dynamic.