Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft: ESPN's Top Selection

4 min read Post on Apr 25, 2025

Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft: ESPN's Top Selection

ESPN's Projected Top Pick for the Denver Broncos

ESPN's current Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft projects the team to select Will Anderson Jr., the highly touted Alabama outside linebacker. This selection signals a clear intent to bolster Denver's defensive front.

Will Anderson Jr. – A Defensive Force

Will Anderson Jr. is a dominant force on the field. His college career at Alabama was nothing short of spectacular. He consistently wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, showcasing exceptional pass-rushing skills and a relentless motor.

Key Stats and Accolades: Two-time consensus All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, numerous sacks and tackles for loss.
Strengths: Exceptional speed and agility, powerful bull rush, excellent technique, leadership qualities, high football IQ.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve his run defense consistency, occasional lapses in tackling.
Comparison to NFL Players: Often compared to elite pass rushers like Von Miller and Khalil Mack due to his explosiveness and ability to disrupt plays.

This top NFL draft prospect has the potential to immediately elevate the Broncos' pass rush, a critical need for the team's defensive strategy. The 2024 Broncos Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the franchise, and Anderson Jr. represents a significant step towards rebuilding their defensive dominance. This ESPN Broncos Draft Prediction is certainly bold, and highlights the urgency felt around addressing the defensive shortcomings.

Addressing the Broncos' Biggest Needs

The Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft, according to ESPN, focuses on a critical area of need. But does the projected selection fully address all the team's weaknesses? Let's analyze.

Offensive Line Needs

The Broncos' offensive line has been a point of concern in recent seasons. While some improvement is expected through free agency, strengthening this unit remains a priority.

Current Offensive Line Performance: Inconsistency in pass protection and run blocking hindered the team's offensive performance last season.
Potential Free Agent Signings: Several veteran offensive linemen will be available in free agency, potentially offering short-term solutions.
How the Projected Pick Fits In: Anderson Jr. does not directly address offensive line needs. The Broncos will likely need to address this weakness through free agency or later draft picks.

Defensive Needs

The defense, while showing flashes of brilliance, has areas needing improvement.

Current Defensive Performance: While showcasing moments of strong performance, the Broncos' defense showed inconsistency throughout the past season.
Areas for Defensive Improvement: Pass rush consistency, run stopping effectiveness, and secondary coverage remain key areas for improvement.
How the Projected Pick Strengthens the Defense: Anderson Jr. significantly strengthens the Broncos' pass rush, a crucial component of their defensive strategy. He is precisely the type of game-changer needed to make their defense a true force.

Alternative Draft Scenarios and Potential Trades

While ESPN’s prediction is compelling, other scenarios are possible in the Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft.

Exploring Other Top Prospects

Several other top prospects could be in play for the Broncos. This list includes highly regarded defensive players and even offensive talents depending on the team's priorities and evaluation processes.

Alternative Players at the Same Position: Other edge rushers with similar potential will be available, potentially presenting different skill sets and fits within the Broncos' defensive scheme.
Players at Different Positions That Could Fill Other Team Needs: Depending on how the free agency period plays out, the Broncos may prioritize addressing other pressing issues such as offensive line or secondary needs.

Trade Possibilities

The Broncos may also consider trading their first-round pick.

Teams That Might Be Interested in Trading: Teams looking to move up in the draft to secure a specific player might be interested in a trade with Denver.
Players the Broncos Might Target in a Trade: A trade could allow them to acquire a player already proven at the NFL level, addressing an immediate need.
Potential Trade Compensation: The value of the Broncos' pick would determine the type of return they could expect in any trade.

Conclusion

ESPN’s Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft projection of Will Anderson Jr. presents a compelling case for bolstering the Broncos' defense. While this selection directly addresses a significant need, the Broncos must also consider addressing their offensive line and other defensive weaknesses through free agency and later draft picks. The possibility of trades also adds an intriguing layer of complexity to their draft strategy. This "Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft" is far from set in stone, and the upcoming free agency period will significantly shape the team's needs and strategy. What are your thoughts on ESPN's prediction? Share your own Denver Broncos 2024 Mock Draft predictions in the comments below! Check out ESPN's draft coverage for further insights. The excitement and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming draft are electrifying!