We have covered all sorts of NFL Draft grades over the weekend. From Mile High Report grading to Denver Broncos draft grades from around the country. We’ll end our coverage reviewing the grades from YOU – the fans!
The Denver Broncos 2024 draft is now in the books. For the first time in two seasons, the Broncos were able to use a first-round pick. Because of this, the excitement in Broncos Country was nearly at a fever pitch.
While the ‘experts’ gave mixed reviews of the Broncos’ 2024 draft, the fans seemed to be pretty torn as well. They found the Broncos got better value in the mid to later rounds.
Let’s take a look at how Broncos Country graded the 2024 draft!
Broncos fan draft grades
Round 1, Pick 12: QB Bo Nix
Many mock drafts projected the Broncos would take the Oregon quarterback. Despite this, experts still ragged on the Broncos for taking Nix so high, as they believed he would have been available much later in the draft. With the Atlanta Falcons throwing everything out of whack with their weird selection of Michael Penix Jr. at 8, the Broncos likely stayed put instead of trading back.
Nix has significant college experience and has showcased some serious arm talent and athleticism. He fits the Drew Brees comparisons, who Sean Payton found success with in New Orleans. Payton is a very respected quarterback coach, and can hopefully get the most out of Nix.
Broncos fans were very torn on this grade, and it actually came down to just a few votes separating an A and B+ grade.
Fan draft grade: A
Round 3, Pick 76: OLB Jonah Elliss
This pick was a bit interesting, considering the Broncos already have a sizeable pass rusher room. Jonathan Cooper, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, Thomas Incoom, Ronnie Perkins, and a few others make up the Broncos’ outside linebacker core. Perhaps they were looking to upgrade the position, or are preparing for the future as Cooper and Browning are entering the final years of their contracts.
Fan draft grade: B
Round 4, Pick 102: WR Troy Franklin
Franklin is reuniting with Oregon teammate, Bo Nix, in Denver! While at Oregon, the pair were an electric duo and carved up opposing defenses. Franklin has some serious speed to him at 6-2, running a 4.41 40-yard dash. He could also be a serious deep ball threat.
The Broncos didn’t have an immediate need at wide receiver, yet they decided to take the chance on Franklin hoping that he and Nix can recreate their magic at the pro level.
Fan draft grade: A
Round 5, Pick 145: CB Kris Abrams-Draine
Abrams-Draine joins a relatively young Broncos’ defensive backs room that is led by Pro Bowler Pat Surtain II. With the Broncos picking up Surtain’s fifth-year option, hopefully they’ll work out a long-term contract for the star cornerback and establish himself as the face of the Broncos.
Abrams-Draine likely won’t be an immediate starter. But he could provide some nice depth with Ja’Quan McMillian, Levi Wallace, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, and others.
Fan draft grade: B
Round 5, Pick 147: RB Audric Estimé
Look up the definition of a bowling ball in the dictionary, and you’ll see a photo of Estimé. Estimé isn’t the kind of running back that will run around you, rather, he’ll run THROUGH you. He has some serious similarities to Mark Ingram, who had success with Sean Payton in New Orleans.
Estimé is a bruiser who will be a very nice addition to the Broncos’ run game that features Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Fan draft grade: A
Round 7, Pick 235: WR DeVaughn Vele
At 26, Vele is a bit old considering he is a rookie. At 6-4 and 203 pounds with a 4.47 40 time and a 36-inch vertical, he has the desired traits of a big wide receiver.
As mentioned earlier, the Broncos wide receiver room is already packed. Vele will likely primarily play in the preseason, and will have to seriously battle to earn a roster spot. There is a good chance he ends up on the Broncos’ practice squad. But again, it’s the seventh round, and the Broncos decided to take a chance on him instead of fighting to sign him as an undrafted free agent.
Fan draft grade: C
Round 7, Pick 256: OL Nick Gargiulo
At South Carolina, Gargiulo primarily played center. The Broncos’ draft graphic had him listed as a guard, though. It would be interesting to see Gargiulo compete for the Broncos center job, considering their starter for the past few seasons, Lloyd Cushenberry, departed in free agency. If Gargiulo competes for the center job, he’ll battle against Luke Wattenburg, Sam Mustipher, and Alex Forsyth.
Fan draft grade: B
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