The Broncos surprised their fans with an unlikely playoff berth. They finished the year with a 10-7 record, and rookie QB Bo Nix was way ahead of schedule. HC Sean Payton was doing what Sean Payton does…coach up a team into the playoffs.
He’s entering his third season as HC, and Nix is entering his second season. While there is a chance that Nix could face the dreaded sophomore slump and that the team won’t be able to sneak up on anyone, with another year of experience, there isn’t a reason to think they can’t do it again…especially with a solid draft.
They have picks in this year’s draft, but three of them are in the sixth round. They are going to have the most of their first three picks, at no. 20, 51, and 85. Their biggest need was to get a big TE to be a security blanket for Nix. They did address that need by signing Even Engram via free agency. At the same time, they could pick a second TE that has moved past the list of priorities.
They had a very solid defense last year, only giving up a little over 18 points per game. And while they did score 25 points per game last year, they really need to improve themselves at WR and RB. Their two RBs are Jaleel McGloughlin and Audric Estime. And although their no.1 WR Courtland Sutton did have over 1000 receiving yards, Nix does not have many other options.
The first round is quite thin for WRs in this draft. Combo WR/CB Travis Hunter will surely be a top-five pick, and the only other WR, Tet McMillan with Arizona, has been moving up the board and will not get past Seattle, who has the no.18 pick. In fact, there is a great chance they move up from no.18 to get him.
Payton isn’t afraid of taking a chance and is a bit of a gunslinger. Don’t be surprised if he takes Ohio St. WR Emeka Egbuka with the 20th pick, even though he’s projected to be an early, day-two selection in the second round. He had an amazing career at Ohio St, and at 6’1, 205, he has a fantastic size/speed combo. He’s a great route runner and will be pro-ready from day one. There aren’t many bigger better college programs than Ohio St. To me, he should be the top WR taken off the board.
With their second pick, at no.51, they’ll have their choice of two solid RBs. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is bigger and leaner, while Arizona St. RB Cam Skattebo is shorter and more stout. Hampton is 6ft and 215 lbs, while Skattebo is 5’9 and 220 lbs. Both men have good hands catching passes out of the backfield. Hampton is more elusive, while Skattebo is pure power in a small package.
Out of the two men, I’d take Skattebo. I know it was only one game, but that playoff game last year against the Texas Longhorns was awe-inspiring. He gained 144 rushing yards on 30 carries and scored two TDs. Not only did he dominate on the ground, he also led the team in catches and receiving yds. He caught eight passes for 99 yards. This kid is special. And HC Payton will get the most out of him.
