Exciting Updates for Broncos Country: What’s Next After the Draft?

According to the draft expert Dane Brugler from The Athletic, the recent moves by the Broncos have led to a notable decline in their standing, now positioned at No. 31 on the power rankings chart. This drop comes after they made seven draft selections and signed 14 undrafted free agents, indicating significant changes in the team’s roster and strategy. As the Broncos navigate this challenging phase, fans are left to wonder how these developments will impact their competitive edge in the upcoming season.

Interestingly, this ranking reflects the evolution of the Broncos’ standing following the conclusion of the 2023 season, where they narrowly missed achieving a winning record, finishing with an 8-9 record, which placed them at No. 23 in the power rankings. This situation raises questions about the team’s trajectory as they move forward, particularly in their quest for improvement and stability within the organization.

At that point in time, while Russell Wilson remained on the roster, speculation about his future with the team was already circulating. The Athletic’s Josh Kendall provided insights into the challenges facing the Broncos and the uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation.

23. Denver Broncos

Finding a viable solution at quarterback seems to be a daunting task for this franchise. Head coach Sean Payton has been tight-lipped about Wilson’s status, yet indications suggest that his return is becoming increasingly unlikely. With the Broncos positioned to select 12th in the draft, they face a crucial decision: either trade up for a top prospect or settle for a second-tier quarterback option if they wish to secure a rookie. Compounding their challenges, the team is currently $23.9 million over the salary cap and would incur a hefty $85 million in dead money if Wilson is released prior to June 1, making free agency signings appear improbable.

In the aftermath of the initial weeks of free agency, Kendall adjusted the Broncos’ ranking down by two spots in his post-free agency power rankings. This change primarily stemmed from the decision to part ways with Wilson, leaving only Jarrett Stidham as the next quarterback on the depth chart, raising concerns among fans about their team’s future.

25. Denver Broncos

Post-Super Bowl rank: 23

Notable additions: S Brandon Jones, DT Malcolm Roach

Notable losses: C Lloyd Cushenberry, POUND Josey Jewell, QB Russell Wilson, S Justin Simmons

While head coach Sean Payton successfully moved Wilson out of the organization, the reality is that Jarrett Stidham is now the only quarterback on the roster. Stidham was named the starter to finish the previous season, but with a career record of 1-3 as a starter over four years in the NFL, doubts linger about his potential as a long-term solution. Although the Broncos still have $22 million in cap space, they opted not to utilize it on retaining Cushenberry or Simmons, as Payton continues to reshape the roster.

The Draft finally arrived, and due to Atlanta’s decision to select a quarterback, the Broncos refrained from trading down, fearing they might miss out on a suitable QB. Instead, they opted to draft Oregon’s Bo Nix at No. 12 overall. In addition to Nix, they brought in notable talent such as Troy Franklin, a receiver from Oregon and a favorite target of Nix, along with Jonah Elliss, an edge rusher from Utah, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine from Missouri, and running back Audric Estimé from Notre Dame.

However, Brugler expressed disappointment in the Broncos’ draft decisions, placing them second-to-last in his rankings, just above the struggling Carolina Panthers.

Despite the considerable focus on the need for a quarterback, it’s evident that much of the criticism for the drop in rankings was due to the selection of Nix at the 12th spot, as Brugler had rated him as a clear second-round talent.

31. Denver Broncos

The Falcons’ quarterback choice played a significant role in keeping the Broncos out of the national spotlight. By selecting Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12, the Broncos picked him 32 spots higher than where The Athletic’s Dane Brugler rated him. If Nix succeeds, Sean Payton could quickly turn Denver around; however, if not, it will add to a series of puzzling decisions made by the Broncos.

It is important to remember that rankings during this time of year are akin to grades—largely inconsequential in the grand scheme.

Furthermore, whether Nix was a reach at No. 12 is somewhat irrelevant, considering the Broncos needed to make a decisive move at quarterback. According to Sean Payton and George Paton on Draft Day, Nix was their top rookie quarterback option, following the two quarterbacks expected to go first overall.

Regardless of the opinions surrounding the quarterback selection, it is likely that the Broncos may face a challenging season ahead. While fans have been cautiously optimistic about the 2024 Draft Class, the reality remains that this will be a young team led by a rookie quarterback, presenting its own set of challenges.

I want to emphasize that this is perfectly acceptable. At the beginning of March, I posed a question to Broncos Country about the potential for a rebuild:

So buckle up, because rebuilding is not for the faint of heart in the fanbase – yet here we are.

As one of the most vocal and often unrealistic fanbases in the NFL (and I readily include myself, along with my orange-and-blue-tinted glasses), we may not be equipped to endure a genuine rebuild. This process demands financial investment, draft capital, elite scouting, time, and, most importantly, patience.

Looking back, it’s amusing to reflect on that sentiment now, as we are about to find out what this means for the future.

A Hilarious Roast of Tom Brady: Highlights from the Netflix Special

For those who have access to Netflix and harbor a dislike for Tom Brady, the live roast of the legendary seven-time Super Bowl champion was a must-watch event. Comedian Kevin Hart delivered a performance that was both outrageous and entertaining, providing a refreshing take on Brady’s career.

For fans of the Broncos, the unexpected appearance of Peyton Manning towards the end of the roast was particularly delightful, adding a unique twist to the evening.

Manning humorously remarked, “It is great to be here with a bunch of people sitting around, talking smack about Tom Brady. Or as we call that in the Manning family, Thanksgiving.” His witty observations highlighted the friendly rivalry between the two NFL legends.

Manning was quick to remind everyone that despite Brady’s five additional Super Bowl rings, more touchdowns, and passing yards, he also has “more retirements, more fake hair, and more TB12 bankruptcies.”

Adding to the laughter, Manning joked, “The last time Tom Brady had to wait this long to get on stage, it was the 2000 NFL Draft,” before presenting him as “a three-time Super Bowl loser.”

Peyton Manning’s humor and charisma shone brightly during the roast, reminding fans why he remains a beloved figure in the NFL.

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