PFF Ranks Broncos’ 2024 Draft Class 10th-Best in the NFL: A Bright Future Ahead
In an era where the NFL is dominated by fast-paced, high-stakes decisions, the draft serves as the ultimate foundation for a team’s future. It’s the one event that can alter the trajectory of a franchise, both in the short and long term. With this in mind, the Denver Broncos, under general manager George Paton, made substantial moves in the 2024 NFL Draft, bringing in talent that has drawn the attention of many. Recently, Pro Football Focus (PFF), a renowned analytics-based sports media company, ranked the Broncos’ 2024 draft class as the 10th-best in the league. This recognition not only highlights the Broncos’ strategic foresight but also offers a glimmer of hope for a team looking to rebuild its competitive edge.
The Broncos’ 2024 Draft: A Comprehensive Overview
For the Broncos, 2024 marked a pivotal draft. Coming off a season filled with inconsistency and disappointing performances, the team’s decision-makers knew that they needed a strong draft to address key areas of need. Their selections in the draft were a reflection of this need for improvement, as well as an attempt to build a young core capable of competing at a high level.
The Broncos entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a set of priorities: improving the offensive line, bolstering the defensive front seven, and adding depth to their skill positions. With those goals in mind, Denver went into the draft with a mix of established needs and exciting opportunities.
Round 1: A Defensive Anchor in DL Jalen Carter
The Broncos made a bold statement with their first-round selection, taking defensive tackle Jalen Carter from Georgia with the 5th overall pick. Carter, who is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in the draft, brings a powerful presence to the defensive line. His explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, coupled with his ability to disrupt the pocket, made him an immediate fit for a Broncos defense that has struggled with generating consistent pressure on quarterbacks.
At 6’3” and 310 pounds, Carter combines size with agility, making him a versatile piece for the defensive front. Broncos fans and analysts alike have already begun to envision him alongside emerging stars like Bradley Chubb and Pat Surtain II. The addition of Carter was seen as the first step in revitalizing a defensive line that has lacked a true game-changer for several seasons.
PFF’s ranking of Carter as one of the draft’s top defensive players speaks volumes about his potential impact. Analysts have noted that Carter is capable of being a force in both the run game and pass rush. His ability to collapse pockets and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks gives the Broncos an edge in an AFC West that features high-powered offenses. His selection also signals a clear commitment from the Broncos to rebuild the defensive unit and regain the dominance they once enjoyed.
Round 2: A Playmaker in WR Xavier Worthy
While Denver’s defense was a primary concern, the team also recognized the need to give quarterback Russell Wilson more weapons in the passing game. Enter Xavier Worthy, a wide receiver out of Texas, who was taken with the 36th overall pick in the second round. Worthy’s ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch adds another dynamic element to the Broncos’ offense. At 6’1″ and with elite speed, Worthy has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top deep-threat receivers.
Worthy’s ability to create separation on deep routes and his sharp route-running make him an immediate asset for Wilson, who has faced challenges connecting with his receivers in recent seasons. Adding a player of Worthy’s caliber to the mix will give the Broncos’ offense a much-needed boost. The potential for explosive plays in both the short and deep passing game makes this a pick that could pay dividends sooner rather than later.
With Worthy in the fold, the Broncos have a promising young duo in the receiving corps, pairing him with Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. If Wilson can regain his Pro Bowl form, Worthy’s presence could help unlock the full potential of Denver’s offense.
Round 3: Bolstering the Offensive Line with OT Jordan Morgan
The third round saw the Broncos turn their attention to the offensive line, selecting offensive tackle Jordan Morgan from Arizona. Morgan brings much-needed depth to a position that has plagued the Broncos in recent years. The team has struggled to keep Wilson upright, and with a stronger, more consistent offensive line, the Broncos hope to see improved performances from their quarterback and running backs alike.
At 6’6” and 310 pounds, Morgan is a physical force on the edge, capable of providing solid pass protection while also being a capable run blocker. His mobility and ability to adjust to different pass-rush techniques were key reasons why the Broncos were drawn to him. With Morgan in the fold, the Broncos hope to stabilize their offensive line and provide better protection for Wilson, while also giving the running game more room to operate.
Round 4: A Big Boost for the Secondary in CB Tyrone Hill
In the fourth round, the Broncos addressed another area of concern by selecting cornerback Tyrone Hill out of Alabama. Hill, a physical and aggressive corner, has drawn rave reviews for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and create turnovers. His combination of speed and awareness makes him a potential starter in a secondary that has shown flashes of greatness but has been inconsistent in recent years.
The addition of Hill provides valuable depth to the cornerback position, alongside Pat Surtain II and recently acquired veterans. Hill’s ability to shut down wide receivers on the outside will be crucial as the Broncos look to improve their pass defense, particularly with high-powered AFC West offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.
Round 5: Versatility with S Isaiah Simpson
In the fifth round, Denver continued to improve its defense by adding safety Isaiah Simpson from TCU. Simpson is known for his versatility, capable of playing both as a strong safety and a free safety. His high football IQ and ability to read the opposing offense make him an ideal candidate to contribute immediately, whether in pass coverage or as a physical presence in the box.
Simpson’s addition gives the Broncos a solid backup option behind their established safety starters, while also providing depth in a unit that can never have enough capable players. As teams continue to adopt pass-heavy offenses, having a versatile safety who can cover ground quickly and contribute in run defense is a valuable asset.
Why the Broncos’ 2024 Draft Class Earned a Top-10 Ranking
PFF’s ranking of the Broncos’ 2024 draft class as the 10th-best in the NFL is a testament to the team’s successful approach. While the Broncos didn’t land the flashiest prospects or make a splashy trade, they focused on addressing their most pressing needs with high-upside players. Carter, Worthy, Morgan, Hill, and Simpson all possess the potential to make an immediate impact, both in the short term and long term.
Denver’s draft class stands out for its balance—addressing both sides of the ball, adding depth at key positions, and bringing in players who have the potential to develop into stars. The combination of defensive strength and offensive skill players gives the team hope that it can turn things around under head coach Sean Payton. Furthermore, the team avoided reaching for players, instead opting for a well-thought-out approach that values talent over flashy picks.
PFF’s rankings of draft classes are based on an in-depth analysis of each player’s fit, potential, and ability to make an immediate impact. The Broncos’ draft class ranked highly in these areas, showcasing their solid decision-making process. With several key players poised to make an impact in 2024, there’s reason to believe that the team’s future is brighter than it has been in recent seasons.
Looking Forward: The Broncos’ Path to Contention
The Broncos’ 2024 draft class provides a foundation for the team to move forward with a competitive edge. The presence of game-changing players like Jalen Carter and Xavier Worthy gives the team hope for both the immediate and long-term future. Furthermore, the strategic additions to the offensive and defensive lines will play a significant role in improving the team’s overall performance.
As the Broncos look to return to their playoff-contending ways, the success of their 2024 draft will be a key factor in determining their future. Fans in Denver have been waiting for the team to turn the corner, and the Broncos’ front office, under George Paton, appears to have made the right moves to set them up for success.
If the young players from this class can develop as expected, the Broncos could soon be a force to reckon with in the AFC West. With key pieces already in place and a promising influx of talent, the future is looking much brighter for the Denver Broncos.
