Following a lot of questions about quarterbacks, Broncos general manager George Paton was asked about other needs for the team.
Many experts have suggested that Denver might choose an edge rusher or cornerback as the 12th pick in the draft. While Paton is confident in the current depth at those positions, he is not ruling out the idea of adding more players.
Paton mentioned that they are always considering such positions, and if a talented player becomes available, they would not hesitate to pick them.
Paton acknowledged the difficulty of finding good edge rushers and cornerbacks, highlighting the young talent in both position groups with potential for growth. He also mentioned the scarcity of players like Von Miller.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto had a successful season with eight sacks in 2023, showing improvement from his rookie year. Jonathon Cooper led the team with 8.5 sacks, and Baron Browning is expected to contribute significantly.
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II is considered one of the best in the league at 24 years old, and Ja’Quan McMillian performed well in the nickel spot during his second year.
There are uncertainties surrounding the performance of Drew Sanders if he transitions from inside linebacker to the edge, the potential comeback of Damarri Mathis after being benched, and the development of Riley Moss, who had limited playing time as a rookie.
Facing tough divisional opponents, the Broncos may not be willing to take risks, considering the opportunity to draft a top player in the first round.
Paton emphasized the value of premium players in positions such as quarterback, edge rusher, and cornerback.
Fabian Moreau, a veteran cornerback for Denver, struggled with speed at times when covering certain wide receivers. Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo is a potential candidate for the 12th pick, known for his speed and ability to make plays on the ball. Mitchell showcased his speed during the scouting combine and demonstrated strong performance with 18 pass breakups in his final season at Toledo.
Although Denver previously drafted Surtain in 2021 and traded up to get Moss in 2022, the idea of having two outstanding cornerbacks is intriguing for a defense that ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed last season.
When talking about edge rushers, NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah identified the top three prospects as Dallas Turner from Alabama, Jared Verse from Florida State, and Laiatu Latu from UCLA.
Despite the improvement of Bonitto and Cooper, the Broncos ranked 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. according to Pro Football Reference.
Latu, who had to retire for medical reasons because of a neck injury at Washington, was successful in getting to the quarterback during his time at UCLA, recording 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons. He also accumulated 127 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. according to Pro Football Focus.
Jeremiah mentioned that some teams consider Latu as the top edge player, despite varying concerns about his medical condition. However, he has been healthy and productive at UCLA for the past two years.
The Broncos have multiple options with their top pick, and Paton and coach Sean Payton won't make a decision until draft night, whether they choose a quarterback, edge rusher, or cornerback. They believe they can recruit a valuable player regardless.
Paton said, "We are sure that we will acquire an excellent player at 12."
