Many expect the Denver Broncos to target a quarterback with the No. 12 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. General manager George Paton finds himself in a conundrum. The Broncos aren't picking high enough to draft one of the perceived top-four quarterbacks.
Without a second-round pick at their disposal this year, Paton may also lack the capital required to trade up for a Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy. Will the Broncos settle for the fifth or sixth-best quarterback prospect in Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix?
There will be better prospects available to the Broncos, who shouldn't force a quarterback at 12. The Broncos have sizable alternative needs at cornerback and edge rusher. With that in mind, we've identified three non-quarterbacks the Broncos should target with the 12th overall selection.
QUINYON MITCHELL, CB, TOLEDO
Quinyon Mitchell has a terrific opportunity to be the first cornerback drafted. The Broncos may have their pick of the litter at No. 12. Paton enters the draft with a glaring need at the position opposite Pat Surtain II.
Fabian Moreau played the second-most snaps at corner behind Surtain II last season. Moreau remains available in free agency and doesn't appear headed back to Denver. That leaves nickel cornerback Ja'Quan McMillan as the only other proven player at the position on the roster. Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons have also departed this secondary. It's time for Paton to transform the group around Surtain II.
Mitchell would be a plug-and-play pairing with Surtain II. Rostering cornerbacks that can thrive on an island is imperative in an AFC West division that features Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. I love the prospect-team fit between Mitchell and Denver.
DALLAS TURNER, EDGE, ALABAMA
The Broncos recorded a 21st-ranked 43 sacks last season. Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto are ascending building blocks that combined for 16.5 quarterback takedowns. The rest of the roster could chip in with more pass-rushing production.
Randy Gregory was traded to the San Francisco 49ers midway through the 2023 season, ending an expensive, failed experiment. The Broncos are still picking up the pieces from parting with Gregory and Bradley Chubb at the position.
Dallas Turner would immediately become the most talented pass rusher on the roster. Turner is a potential top-10 pick, but the Broncos are within striking distance at 12. For example, Turner went No. 26 in our latest NFL mock draft. If Turner isn't available, I'd put Laiatu Latu or Jared Verse in this spot before reaching for a quarterback.
BROCK BOWERS, TE, GEORGIA
If Brock Bowers remains available when the Broncos come on the clock, there's an excellent chance he's the best overall player available. There's a long-term pass-catcher question present in Denver with Courtland Sutton involved in a contract-related standoff. Jerry Jeudy was also traded earlier this summer.
Bowers would quickly supplant Adam Trautman as the starting tight end. Denver should ensure there’s a positive environment around the next franchise quarterback, even if it requires patience. Adding Bowers to the mix would make the next quarterback's job significantly easier.
