Broncos Mock Draft 3.0: Denver Lands Its ‘Blender’ With Much-Needed Running Back
The Denver Broncos enter the 2024 NFL Draft with glaring needs on both sides of the ball, but one position that stands out as a priority is running back. In *Mock Draft 3.0*, Denver addresses this need by selecting a dynamic, versatile back who can serve as the engine of their offense—a true “blender” capable of wearing down defenses with power, explosiveness, and receiving ability.
### **The Pick: RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas (Round 3, No. 76 overall)**
After focusing on quarterback and offensive line in earlier rounds, the Broncos snag Texas standout **Jonathon Brooks** in the third round. Brooks, coming off an ACL injury that cut short his 2023 season, is a high-upside pick who could become Denver’s lead back of the future.
**Why Brooks Fits the Broncos:**
– **Complete Skillset:** Brooks is a well-rounded back with excellent vision, contact balance, and breakaway speed. He rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 TDs in just 11 games last season, proving he can carry the load.
– **Receiving Ability:** He’s a natural pass-catcher (25 receptions in 2023), making him a perfect fit for Sean Payton’s offense, which heavily utilizes backs in the passing game.
– **Blender Mentality:** Brooks has the frame (6’0”, 207 lbs) and running style to wear down defenses, keeping them off-balance in both the run and play-action game.
### **How He Impacts the Broncos’ Offense**
Denver’s backfield currently consists of **Javonte Williams** and **Samaje Perine**, but Williams hasn’t fully returned to his pre-ACL tear form, and Perine is best suited as a third-down specialist. Brooks would bring fresh legs and explosiveness, giving Payton the kind of multi-dimensional weapon he had with Alvin Kamara in New Orleans.
### **Alternative Options**
If Brooks is off the board, Denver could pivot to:
– **Jaylen Wright (Tennessee)** – A home-run hitter with 4.38 speed.
– **Braelon Allen (Wisconsin)** – A bruiser with surprising agility for his size (6’2”, 238 lbs).
### **Final Thoughts**
Landing Brooks in the third round would be a steal for Denver, providing much-needed youth and explosiveness at running back. His ability to blend power, elusiveness, and receiving chops makes him an ideal fit for Payton’s scheme—and the missing piece in a Broncos offense looking to take a step forward in 2024.
**Projected Broncos Picks in Mock Draft 3.0:**
– **Round 1 (No. 12):** QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
– **Round 3 (No. 76):** RB Jonathon Brooks (Texas)
– **Round 5 (Comp Pick):** CB Cam Hart (Notre Dame)
