The 2024 season was, by most accounts, a smashing success for the Denver Broncos.
Not many expected the team to make the playoffs, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix improved as the season went on and led the team to a Wild Card berth.
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This offseason, the Broncos didn’t make a ton of outside additions, but the ones the team did make should be impactful. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga were brought in from the San Francisco 49ers, and both players should start immediately.
Now, the team will need to nail the 2025 NFL Draft to continue improving their roster. The team has the No. 20 pick in the first round, and there appears to be several directions the team could go.
However, today we’re going to identify the directions the team should NOT go with the top pick.
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Jalon Walker is an impressive athlete who has all the tools to be an elite defender.
The only problem is, Walker is kind of a tweener. The Georgia product played as both an edge-rusher and a true linebacker in college, and scouts are divided on where Walker shoud play at the next level.
The Broncos would likely be intrigued by Walker’s physical traits, but the team would be wise to go in a different direction. The team could use another linebacker, but Walker has a ways to go before he’s a reliable off-ball linebacker.
In the first round, the Broncos should focus on improving the offense instead of going after a raw linebacker.
Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
Another player the Broncos should avoid taking in the first round is cornerback Shavon Revel out of East Carolina.
The talented corner had a chance to build his draft stock even more in 2024, but unfortunately, Revel only played in three games due to an injury. Revel also primarily played on the boundary in college, and the Broncos really need a slot corner more than an outside corner.
Revel could likely end up being a long-time starter in the NFL. However, the Broncos have better options with the No. 20 pick than a corner from a small conference who is coming off a serious injury.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty could actually be the most talented overall prospect in this class. The Broncos definitely need a running back, which makes this a realistic fit.
However, the Broncos would almost certainly have to trade up to land Jeanty. Instead of spending draft capital to move up, the team should stay put at No. 20 and take another running back.
For example, Omarion Hampton should be available at No. 20 and the skill gap between Jeanty and Hampton may not be that large. Trading up for a running back isn’t something the team should do right now.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Malaki Starks is a talented defensive back from Georgia who’s received rave reviews for his toughness and leadership.
Starks is a tackling machine who holds his own in coverage and can help out in run defense as well. However, as mentioned above, the Broncos added Hufanga in free agency, meaning safety isn’t the biggest need anymore.
Starks would undoubtedly improve the Broncos’ defense. The team has more pressing needs that need to be address early, though, and a safety could be added later in the draft.