'24 Preview: Denver Broncos
All Access Football previews the 2024 Denver Broncos. All Access. All Football. All The Time.
Volume XXIV Edition XXI | 2024 Preview: Denver Broncos
Today’s edition of the AAF Newsletter is brought to you by Sports Management Worldwide, now offering Sports Management Master’s Degree. SMWW has partnered with Fort Hays State University to offer a 30-credit hour, fully accredited master's program from the comfort of your home. Interested in learning more? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an SMWW Career Counselor.
DENVER BRONCOS 2024 SEASON PREVIEW
AFC WEST || 2023 Record: 4-13 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 31
Team Brass
Owner: Rob Walton || General Manager: George Paton || Head Coach: Sean Payton || Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi || Defensive Coordinator: Vance Joseph || Special Teams: Ben Kotwica
2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (16 of 32)
Offense Rankings
Total Offense: 298.4 (26th) || Passing: 191.9 (24th) || Rushing: 106.5 (18th) || Points: 21 (19th) || Sacked: 52 (27th) || 3rd Down: 36.8 (21st)
Defense Rankings
Total Defense: 370.8 (29th) || Passing: 233.6 (22nd) || Rushing: 137.1 (30th) || Points Allowed: 24.3 (27th) || Sacks: 42 (T-21st) || Turnover Differential: +4 (10th)
Top 10 Franchise Players
CB Pat Surtain II (photo credit: Denver Broncos)
WR Courtland Sutton
OT Garrett Bolles
WR Marvin Mims
LB Jonathon Cooper
LB Josey Jewell
OT Mike McGlinchey
LB Alex Singleton
OG Ben Powers
LB Nik Bonitto
Key Additions
QB Zach Wilson (Jets) || WR Josh Reynolds (Lions) || OT Matt Peart (Giants) || OG Calvin Throckmorton (Saints) || C Sam Mustipher (Ravens) || DE John Franklin-Myers (Jets) || DT Malcolm Roach (Saints) || LB Cody Barton (Commaders) || CB Levi Wallace (Steelers) || S Brandon Jones (Dolphins)
Key Losses
QB Russell Wilson (Steelers) || WR Jerry Jeudy (Browns) || TE Chris Manhertz (Giants) || OT Cameron Fleming || C Lloyd Cushenberry (Titans) || DE Jonathan Harris (Dolphins) || DT Mike Purcell || LB Josey Jewell (Panthers) || CB Fabian Moreau || S Justin Simmons
Breakout Players
WR Marvin Mims - A phenomenal return man, Denver invested a second round pick in Mims to be a productive member of the receiver corps. There were signs of him becoming a reliable underneath option in the slot during his first season but much more will be needed.
WR Tony Franklin - The Broncos rolled the dice with Franklin on Day 3 of the draft but if Mims can’t turn it around, the team could be looking to select a receiver once again in 2025.
TE Greg Dulcich - An injury-riddled sophomore campaign stunted the growth of Dulcich who amassed over 400 receiving yards as a rookie. He’ll have an opportunity once again to carve out a niche in the offense if he can remain healthy.
CB - Ja’Quan McMillian - One of the best young prospects on the Broncos defense is McMillian. Entering his third season, the undrafted product out of ECU is expected to play the lead slot role.
2024 NFL Draft Class
This draft class (and Broncos legacy of Sean Payton) will hinge on the performance of Bo Nix, the pint-sized dual threat signal-caller that has team brass beaming with hope that he can invoke the spirit of Dree Brees. On Day 3, they took a chance on Nix’s favorite target in Troy Franklin who brings questions about his size and runner Audric Estime who could have an Alfred Morris type impact. The soda tastes flat. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: Medium Level Impact
Rd.1 No.12 - QB Bo Nix, Oregon (photo credit: Denver Broncos)
Rd.3 No.76 - LB Jonah Elliss, Utah
Rd.4 No.102 - WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
Rd.5 No.145 - CB Kris Abrams-Draine CB Missouri
Rd.5 No.147 - RB Audric Estimé, Notre Dame
Rd.7 No. 235 - WR Devaughn Vele, Utah
Rd.7 No.256 - C Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina
UDFA Watch
RB Blake Watson, Memphis
LB Level Bailey, Fresno State
S Cam Allen, Purdue
Top 10 Players Under 25
CB Pat Surtain II (24)
WR Marvin Mims (22)
LB Nik Bonitto (24)
QB Bo Nix (24)
RB Javonte Williams (24)
RB Jaleel McLaughlin (23)
LB Drew Sanders (23)
WR Troy Franklin (21)
TE Greg Dulcich (24)
RB Blake Watson (24)
Prediction
Vegas O/U Win Total: 6.5 - Broncos buckle under, 4-13.