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  • Broncos QB Bo Nix named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month

    Broncos QB Bo Nix named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month

    After Bo Nix took his game to another level in October, he was rewarded for his efforts.

    Nix was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month, becoming the third player in franchise history to receive the honor and first since former running back Clinton Portis in 2002.

    This month, Nix threw for 870 yards, seven touchdowns and an interception while completing 66.7% of his passes. The former Oregon quarterback also had 29 carries for 149 rushing yards (5.1 yards per carry) and two touchdowns to help the Broncos go 3-1 in October.

    Nix’s performance was a complete turnaround from September when he threw for 660 yards, a touchdown and four picks.

    Nix is fresh off his best game of the season. He went 28 for 37 with 284 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers last week. He has thrown for at least 200 yards in three of the last four games.

    Through eight games, the 12th overall pick has totaled 1,530 passing yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions with a 63.2% completion percentage. Nix has 52 carries for 259 yards and four scores.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Broncos QB Bo Nix’s ability to avoid sacks has been strong suit through five games

    Broncos QB Bo Nix’s ability to avoid sacks has been strong suit through five games

    During Sean Payton’s study of Bo Nix ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, the Broncos head coach was galvanized by the quarterback’s ability to avoid getting sacked.

    In his first season in Denver, there was a sense of frustration about the amount of sacks former quarterback Russell Wilson had taken. And he knew his next signal caller had to prevent putting himself in those minus yard situations.

    Five weeks into the season, Nix hasn’t been perfect but has proven to be a hard player to take down, which Payton attributes to his sneaky quick speed and being a quality processor.

    “Getting through a progression quickly is extremely helpful in avoiding unnecessary sacks,” Payton said after Wednesday’s practice. “His ability to process has helped that greatly.”

    In Wilson’s final season of his short two-year tenure with the Broncos, he was one of the league’s most sacked quarterbacks. He was taken down 45 times — fourth-most in the NFL — despite having the second-longest time to throw (3.06 seconds), according to Next Gen Stats.

    Part of the issue was Wilson holding on to the ball longer than he should. Wilson was responsible for 24.3% of his sacks, according to Pro Football Focus, the highest percentage among quarterbacks in 2023.

    Nix has had his fair share of struggles, but evading pressure has been his strength thus far. The former Oregon star has been sacked seven times, with three of those takedowns coming in Sunday’s win over the Raiders.

    “I think it’s understanding timing and protections,” Nix said. “I took three on Sunday and I wish I could have them back (because) sacks kill drives.”

    Nix was sacked six times in each of the two seasons with the Ducks, according to Pro Football Focus. Even though the pro level is more sped up compared to college, he has figured out a way to avoid getting hit.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Broncos’ Audric Estime on running backs after preseason win over Colts: “We have a bunch of guys who can do it all”

    Broncos’ Audric Estime on running backs after preseason win over Colts: “We have a bunch of guys who can do it all”

    INDIANAPOLIS — One of the Broncos’ most heated position battles of training camp was on display at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

    The quarterback competition may garner the biggest headlines, but the running backs have locked into a fierce struggle for playing time — and that came through loud and clear in the Broncos’ 34-30 victory over the Colts in their preseason opener.

    Second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin’s investment in a JUGS machine proved beneficial when he caught a 22-yard pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix on a wheel route. Five plays later, rookie running back Audric Estime showcased his power when he steamrolled into the end zone for a touchdown to give Denver a 20-10 advantage in the third quarter.

    In head coach Sean Payton’s offense, the run game is essential. He is high on having a backfield filled with versatile players. On Sunday, nearly each running back impacted the game in a multitude of ways, as Denver outrushed Indianapolis, 131-64.

    “They all had a spark,” Payton said.

    However, their performance emphasized the tough decision looming over the organization of how many running backs it keeps on the initial 53-man roster and who.

    Javonte Williams started the game, rushing for 15 yards on four carries in the opening quarter. Then the young guys went to work. McLaughlin had 56 total yards (30 rushing and 26 receiving) on nine touches. He averaged 4.3 yards on seven carries.

    Estime had 10 carries for 31 yards while undrafted rookie Blake Watson was active down the stretch. In the fourth quarter, Watson showed why Denver signed him when he caught a short pass from Wilson before bursting down the sideline for a 33-yard gain. Watson finished with 10 touches for 59 yards, including 26 on the ground, and a touchdown.

    Tyler Badie had his moment in the spotlight when he ran 11 yards for a touchdown to extend Denver’s lead to 27-17 with 2:18 to go in the third. Denver’s offense finished with three rushing touchdowns.

    “We have a bunch of guys who can do it all,” Estime said. “We have smaller guys (and) bigger backs but no matter who you are, you gotta be able to (play) all three downs. I feel like it’s a great group of guys.”

    While Denver’s backfield had its moments, veteran Samaje Perine offered a lowlight. In the first quarter, Perine couldn’t control a short pass from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The ball juggled out of his hands and was picked off by Colts cornerback Kenny Moore. The failed reception was his only target, and he didn’t have a single rushing attempt the rest of the game.

    As a whole, Payton wasn’t pleased with Denver’s ball security from the running backs, as they had two turnovers. In the third, Estime fumbled at the Broncos’ 47-yard line before cornerback Micah Abraham recovered the ball and scored to cut the deficit to 20-17 with 6:58 remaining. Later in the fourth, Watson fumbled a handoff from quarterback Zach Wilson that was recovered by the offense.

    “Those are the things that you gotta make sure you clean up (and) those guys will learn from that,” Payton said.

    During training camp, Williams, Estime and McLaughlin have stood out at running back. If Sunday was a reflection of what’s to come, that trio could be taking snaps this fall.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Former Broncos safety Justin Simmons to visit Saints

    Former Broncos safety Justin Simmons to visit Saints

    Justin Simmons could be on the verge of finding a new home.

    The former Broncos safety is set to visit the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation told The Denver Post. The news was first reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

    Simmons is one of the best free agents available. In eight seasons with the Broncos, Simmons recorded 604 tackles, 30 interceptions and 65 passes defended. Simmons’ interception total is the most by a player since 2016.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Youth, competition create excitement within Broncos offense: “We have a team full of hungry dogs”

    Youth, competition create excitement within Broncos offense: “We have a team full of hungry dogs”

    As Sean Payton embarks on his second season as the Broncos head coach, he has felt rejuvenated.

    Denver’s offense has been sprinkled with youth, sparking position battles — and not just at quarterback — as players are try to make their mark on a team that’s in the midst of a rebuild.

    “I think it’s that challenge of working with a young team,” Payton said. “I think that’s the one thing I notice at least watching. I feel the competition.”

    Courtland Sutton didn’t show up to the Broncos’ facility until mandatory minicamp, but for the two days the veteran wide receiver was on the practice field, he felt the same energy.

    He said the offense is filled with hungry players who are determined to go on the field each week to prove themselves, which is one reason there’s excitement among the players and coaches about training camp.

    Indeed, the battle between rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for the starting quarterback job will be the highlight of the summer. But the competition at center, wide receiver and running back could be just as heated. The current state of the organization has created opportunity for first- and second-year players to step into meaningful roles this fall.

    “You have a lot of guys that are still on their rookie deal, just got drafted or (undrafted) free agents,” Sutton said. “(We have) a team full of hungry dogs.”

    Denver’s wide receivers room is filled with young players who have the potential to make an impact. After the Broncos traded wideout Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in March, Marvin Mims Jr. has a chance to be a second option in the passing game. Denver also has rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele, both of whom could command significant playing time, depending on how they perform during training camp and preseason games.

    At running back, the one-two punch of Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine might not be guaranteed. The Broncos drafted former Notre Dame standout Audric Estime — who has been sidelined due to a knee procedure — and is viewed by Payton as a first- and second-down running back. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin and undrafted rookie Blake Watson have spent the offseason program displaying the receiving traits that Payton desires from running backs.

    With Greg Dulcich continuing to work his way back from injury, there’s an opportunity for tight end Lucas Krull to show the coaching staff that he can potentially be the pass-catching threat that the Broncos desperately need at the position.

    “It felt different this year in a good way,” Payton said of the competition level within the team.

    While there might be an emphasis on the Broncos developing their young talent, Sutton said the mid-career veterans have something to prove as well. Wide receiver Tim Patrick, who restructured the final year of his contract, is hoping to show that he can still be a reliable asset in Denver’s wide receivers room despite having back-to-back season-ending injuries — and despite the team drafting Vele, who has similar traits.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Grandview explodes for nine runs in seventh to beat Prairie View in first round of Class 5A state baseball tournament

    Grandview explodes for nine runs in seventh to beat Prairie View in first round of Class 5A state baseball tournament

    All it took was one misstep from Prairie View for Grandview to open the flood gates.

    With the score knotted up at four, Grandview designated hitter Easton Flores hit a screaming fly ball to left field. Prairie View outfielder Favi Gaeta tried to make the catch, but he stumbled on his feet, while the ball went over his head, landing in the warning track as the go-ahead runner slid into home plate.

    Flores’ go-ahead single jump started a nine-run inning as Grandview pulled away for a 13-5 win over Prairie View in the first round of the Class 5A state baseball tournament at All-Star Park in Lakewood on Friday afternoon.

    “We just kept doing the right things (at the plate) so everything went well for us in that inning,” junior pitcher Jax Pfister.

    Grandview’s emphasis on the little things paid off in a big way. The Wolves recorded four straight bunts during their scoring outburst that served as a difference-maker. After Flores’ go-ahead single, junior infielder Chase Chapman drove in a run on a bunt single. A throwing error from Prairie View resulted in two more runs for Grandview.

    With the bases loaded and two outs, Pfister completely sucked the life out of the Thunderhawks by smashing a grand slam to left field.

    “(Prairie View reliever Travis Teague) had to come at me eventually. I was sitting on a fastball and he gave it to me,” Pfister said.

    Before Grandview’s onslaught, the third inning featured theatrics fitting for a state tournament. Trailing 2-0 against Prairie View pitcher Jerry Stone, shortstop Tony Crow hit a two-run single up the middle. Later in the inning, Chapman drove in two more runs after belting a triple to left-center, giving the Wolves a 4-2 lead.

    Prairie View immediately responded in the bottom half: Stone recorded an RBI double before senior right fielder Javi Gaeta singled in the game-tying run.

    Pfister gave up four runs on six hits and struck out six batters in five innings of work.

    “I got rattled at times, and that affected my strike throwing,” Pfister said. “But overall, I kept my composure and threw enough strikes to help get my team the win.”

    After an eventful third, both teams were held scoreless for three innings. However, there were plenty of opportunities. Grandview loaded the bases in the fifth before Stone struck out two batters and forced senior outfielder Tucker Smock to ground into a fielder’s choice. Prairie also had the bases loaded in the sixth, but couldn’t capitalize.

    “We weren’t disheartened or anything,” Grandview coach Scott Henry said after leaving runners on base in the fifth. “We knew we were gonna break through.”

    Cherry Creek’s Rudden shines on mound

    Wyatt Rudden was in control from the jump.

    Cherry Creek’s junior pitcher struck out two batters on 13 pitches in the first inning. And he didn’t stop there.

    With strong command of his fastball, Rudden recorded nine strikeouts in seven innings to lead the Bruins to an 8-0 victory over Chaparral in the first round of the 5A tournament.

    “(Rudden) was throwing (his) fastball for strikes and (used) his curveball when he needed it,” Cherry Creek coach Marc Johnson said. “He was dominant.”

    Cherry Creek was up 5-0 in the top half of the fourth when Rudden ran into a bit of adversity. After he struck out the first two batters, he hit senior designated hitter Derrick Ball with a pitch before walking third baseman Jordin Albertson. With runners on the corners, Rudden recorded his eighth strikeout to get out of the jam.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Jamal Murray’s recent shooting struggles re-emerge early on vs. Timberwolves in Game 1

    Jamal Murray’s recent shooting struggles re-emerge early on vs. Timberwolves in Game 1

    Prior to the start of their series, Anthony Edwards declared that the Nuggets are not good without Jamal Murray.

    During the opening seconds of Saturday night’s matchup, the Minnesota star guard was determined to prove his point.

    As the shot clock trickled down on Denver’s opening possession, Murray tried to dance around Edwards but couldn’t break loose. Edwards put the clamps on Murray, preventing the Nuggets point guard from moving left before Denver was called for an offensive three second violation.

    In Denver’s 106-99 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, Murray went scoreless in the first half. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone revealed after the game that he didn’t practice the entire week while nursing a calf injury — shedding some light on Murray’s rusty start. But that shouldn’t dismiss Minnesota’s defensive effort on Murray that was essential in taking a 1-0 series lead.

    “(Murray) couldn’t make a shot,” Malone said.

    Edwards strapping up Murray to start the game was only the beginning. Murray missed three straight shots before getting sent to the bench as Denver faced an 18-4 deficit with 5:12 to go in the first quarter. The Timberwolves did a solid job at switching up coverages on Murray, putting different defenders on him.

    Early in the second quarter, it was Minnesota guard Michael Conley Jr.’s turn. As Murray tried to back down the veteran guard, Conley stood firm. Once Murray realized there was no room to get by or take a fadeaway jumper, he passed the ball to forward Aaron Gordon, who air balled a jumper.

    On Denver’s next possession, Murray missed a pull-up jumper. Minutes later, his floater was no good. Murray didn’t score a basket on five attempts in the first half, with three missed shots coming from around the free throw line. It was the first time in his career that Murray was held scoreless in a half of a postseason game.

    “(The Timberwolves) know what they are doing in the pick-and-roll, and they put a lot of good defenders on Jamal,” Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic said.

    In the second half, Murray finally hit his stride. He scored 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting, as he tried to keep up with the Timberwolves’ offensive surge in the third and fourth quarters. His four-point play, coming on stepback 3-pointer against Karl-Anthony Towns, gave the Nuggets an 81-80 advantage in the fourth quarter.

    Eventually, Edwards responded by scoring back-to-back baskets to regain the lead. And Murray couldn’t author the same late-game heroics that produced a pair of game-winning shots against the Lakers in the first round.

    “(Minnesota) is physical and (makes) you take tough shots,” Jokic said.

    Murray, who didn’t speak with reporters after the game, struggled for long stretches of Denver’s first-round series against L.A. He shot 40% from the floor and 29.4% from the 3-point line in five games. But when he dropped 32 points and made the game-winning shot in Game 5 against the Lakers, Murray briefly quelled concerns over his lingering calf injury.

    Unfortunately for Denver, that scoring outburst failed to carry over into the first half against Minnesota. And Murray’s 14 shot attempts were the fewest in a postseason game since 2020.

    If Denver is to dig itself out of the 1-0 hole it finds itself in after Saturday night, that will likely have to change when Game 2 arrives Monday night.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Grading Broncos’ Day 2 of the NFL draft: The Post’s sports staff weigh in on second, third rounds

    Grading Broncos’ Day 2 of the NFL draft: The Post’s sports staff weigh in on second, third rounds

    The Post’s sports staff weighs in with grades after the Denver Broncos drafted Utah edge rusher Jonah Elliss on Day 2 of the NFL draft.

    Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat writer

    Grade: B+

    A solid grade for Denver on two fronts and with one caveat. The Broncos hit a position of need at No. 76 overall in Utah edge rusher Jonah Elliss. They also stayed patient. After picking at No. 12 instead of trading back Thursday, the only way to move up from No. 76 in a meaningful way would have been to deal a player or dip into 2025 draft capital. Instead, Denver held on to its assets and picked a player with the skillset to help early — if he stays healthy. Some risk there given Elliss’ shoulder and hamstring issues, but a solid bet to make deep into Day 2.

    Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat writer

    Grade: B

    Elliss plays with a high-motor, a trait that helped him collect 12 sacks in his final season at Utah. He will need to improve as a run defender, and his shoulder injury, which forced him to not work out at the scouting combine, is a bit concerning. But Elliss has the potential to be a solid rotational player as a rookie who could develop into a starter on the edge in the future.

    Troy Renck, sports columnist

    Grade: B

    Utah’s Jonah Elliss brings energy and intensity to the edge. He has good hands, but needs to add more counter moves to his arsenal. He likely will need to bulk up to help him support the run. He profiles as a sub package pass rusher as a rookie for a group that hasn’t had a player reach double-digit sacks since 2018. That is too much to ask for as a rookie, but his ceiling suggests it is possible by Year 3 as he grows into a full-time role.

    Sean Keeler, sports columnist

    Grade: B

    Troy Franklin? No? Anyone? Elliss is fine — lean, mean, great bloodlines. If you love your edge-rushers with a no-quit engine, you’re going to love this guy. His first-down, short-yardage mileage is still TBD, but Luther’s kid won’t be awed by the stage. Or by Patrick Mahomes. Promise you that.

    Matt Schubert, Parker Gabriel, Ryan McFadden, Troy E. Renck, Sean Keeler

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  • Grading Broncos’ Day 1 of the NFL Draft: The Post’s sports staff weigh in on the first round

    Grading Broncos’ Day 1 of the NFL Draft: The Post’s sports staff weigh in on the first round

    The Post’s sports staff weighs in with grades after the Denver Broncos drafted Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.

    Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat writer

    Grade: B-

    The gut reaction to this pick is going to be almost entirely driven by the strength of trust in Sean Payton to pick a quarterback. The fact that Nix was the sixth of the perceived top six selected Thursday will either prove Payton and the Broncos’ evaluation process to be a terrific one or it will end up looking like desperation. That makes Nix, far from a sure bet to turn into an upper-echelon player at the NFL level, a fascinating case study going forward.

    Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat writer

    Grade: B-

    Going into the draft, it felt like Denver couldn’t walk away without a quarterback. But taking Bo Nix at No. 12 seems like a reach. Unless the Broncos thought the Raiders would take him at No. 13, they could’ve tried to obtain more picks and still taken Nix after trading back. Nix fits Sean Payton’s offense, and his experience (61 college starts) gives him a chance to be a Week 1 starter. But Broncos Country will need to put its full trust in Payton that he knows something that others don’t.

    Troy Renck, sports columnist

    Grade: B

    There was no way the Broncos could rationalize leaving the first round without a quarterback. The AFC demands it. In Nix, Sean Payton landed a quarterback with maturity, intelligence, a quick release and a talent for avoiding sacks. Is he Drew Brees? That’s not fair. But could an athletic game manager be capable of keeping the offense on schedule? Yes. The USC game film provides reason to believe. His Auburn career creates pause. But at some point, you have to trust Payton. And all he’s done is stake his legacy to Nix.

    Sean Keeler, sports columnist

    Grade: B+

    Is the kid a reach at 12? Yup. Is Michael Penix Jr. better? Yup. Not every NFL braintrust loves Bo Nix as much as Sean Payton did, but that’s OK. Even if Nix is more Checkdown Charlie than Drew Brees II, this was a statement of intent. On Day 1, the Broncos didn’t come away from the best QB draft in ages empty-handed. You don’t get big victories in this league without making some small ones first.

    Parker Gabriel, Ryan McFadden, Troy E. Renck, Sean Keeler, Matt Schubert

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  • Broncos like young core of cornerbacks, edge rushers, but there’s still room to add at both positions

    Broncos like young core of cornerbacks, edge rushers, but there’s still room to add at both positions

    After Broncos general manager George Paton fielded nearly a dozen questions about the quarterback position during the team’s pre-draft news conference Thursday afternoon, he was asked about other areas of need.

    Throughout the draft process, many experts have had Denver drafting an edge rusher or cornerback with the 12th pick. And though Paton is confident in the depth at both positions, he didn’t shy away from the possibility of adding to either spot.

    “You are always looking at those types of positions,” Paton said. “If someone falls in your lap, you’re going to take them.”

    It’s hard to find quality edge rushers and cornerbacks, Paton reasoned. Players like Von Miller don’t walk through the doors every day. But at the same time, the talent the Broncos have at both position groups is young with room to grow.

    Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who is entering his third season in the league, had eight sacks in 2023 after recording 1.5 as a rookie. Jonathon Cooper had a team-best 8.5 sacks, while Denver should benefit from having Baron Browning at full strength entering the new year.

    At cornerback, Patrick Surtain II, 24, has established himself as one of the best in the league. Meanwhile, Ja’Quan McMillian played at a high level in the nickel spot during his sophomore campaign.

    But questions remain. How will Drew Sanders fare if Denver switches him from inside linebacker to the edge? Can Damarri Mathis bounce back after getting benched in the middle of last season? Will Riley Moss be able to live up to the team’s expectations after playing three snaps at outside cornerback as a rookie?

    In a division where the Broncos have to face two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a year, they might not be able to afford to take that gamble, especially since they have the potential to draft a premier player at either position in the first round.

    “Whether it’s quarterback, edge or cornerback, you know what they are. They are a premium,” Paton said.

    When veteran Fabian Moreau took over as Denver’s starting cornerback, he held his own. But there were moments where he lacked the speed to keep up with certain wide receivers. Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell — who could be available at No. 12 — does, and he can make plays on the ball. He completed the 40-yard at the scouting combine in 4.33 seconds while recording 18 pass breakups in his final season with the Rockets.

    Denver used its last first-round pick to draft Surtain in 2021, and it traded up to take Moss in the third round of last year’s draft. But the possibility of having two lockdown cornerbacks could be intriguing for a defense that finished 22nd in passing yards allowed (233.6 per game) last fall.

    When it comes to edge rushers, NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said in a conference call on Thursday that he thinks Alabama’s Dallas Turner, Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu are the top three players. Depending on how the top of the draft shakes up, either one could fall into Denver’s lap.

    Even though Bonitto and Cooper improved, the Broncos were 29th in pressure percentage (18.2%), 20th in sack percentage (6.8%) and tied for 21st in team sack totals (42), according to Pro Football Reference.

    Ryan McFadden

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  • Broncos mock draft: What happens if Denver trades back in the first round?

    Broncos mock draft: What happens if Denver trades back in the first round?

    In the last two mock drafts, we addressed how this April’s draft might play out if the Broncos turned to the trenches in the first round by taking a defensive tackle or offensive lineman.

    This time, after the Broncos failed to land a veteran quarterback in the first wave of free agency, we look at what happens if the franchise opts to address the most important position in football.

    Although head coach Sean Payton still hopes to add another experienced signal caller to the room, there appears to be more pressure to find a quarterback through the draft. We’ve already explored what the Broncos would have to send away in order to trade up for one of the draft’s coveted QBs. But in this exercise, will look at what happens if Denver trades down in the first round to land its quarterback of the future while also adding another playmaker on offense.

    First Round (No. 19 via Rams)

    Denver trades: No. 12 and No. 136

    Denver receives: No. 19 and No. 52

    QB Bo Nix, Oregon 

    With Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy likely getting picked inside the Top 10, the Broncos turn to the next best thing, and that’s Nix. The 24-year-old put up impressive numbers during his time with the Ducks, throwing for 8,101 yards, 74 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. More importantly, Nix has the tools that Payton looks for in a quarterback, such as efficiency, processing and ability to extend plays. The Heisman Trophy finalist will also provide experience, having played 61 career games in college. A quarterback battle with Jarrett Stidham awaits in training camp.

    Second Round (No. 52 via Rams)

    TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

    Tight end is one of the biggest needs for Denver. In New Orleans, Payton had players like Jimmy Graham, Jared Cook and Jeremy Shockey as vertical threats at the position. Greg Dulcich fits that mold, but his injury history makes it difficult to rely on him. Sanders has the potential to improve Denver’s tight ends room, which combined to catch 39 passes for 362 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Sanders is ranked first all-time among Texas tight ends in career receptions (99), second in receiving yards (1,295) and sixth in receiving touchdowns (seven). Last season, He totaled a career-best 682 receiving yards on 45 catches while averaging 15.2 yards per reception.

    Third Round (No. 76)

    CB Renardo Green, Florida State 

    After Denver used its first two picks to improve the offense, the team addresses the defense. Green, who spent five seasons at Florida State, is a physical corner who plays well in man coverage. He collected 43 tackles and 13 passes defended last season, earning himself second-team All-ACC honors. In the season opener against LSU, Green held Malik Nabers — one of the top wide receivers in the draft — to two catches for 20 yards on five targets, according to Pro Football Focus.

    Fourth Round (No. 121 via Dolphins)

    EDGE Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State 

    Kamara is one of the best pass rushers in Rams history, ranking second all-time in career sacks (30.5) and third in career tackles for loss (45.5). He and UCLA edge Laiatu Latu were tied for fourth in the country with 13 sacks in 2023. Kamara has violent hands and plays with a ton of power. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is high on Kamara. “He gives you everything you want on every snap in terms of effort,” Kiper said in a conference call with reporters last week. “I love everything about this kid.”

    Fifth Round (No. 145 via Jets)

    OT Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh 

    Ryan McFadden

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