A look at possibilities other than quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.
The draft starts in Mobile, Alabama.
This week, some of college football’s finest players will compete in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Players ranging from seniors to underclassmen given eligibility for the 2024 NFL draft will train in front of league scouts, coaches, and important decision-makers all week before competing in the game on Saturday.
Denver is likely to take a hard look at quarterbacks and Heisman Trophy finalists Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and Bo Nix (Oregon). However, there are five additional talents the Broncos should keep an eye on.
Pratt, who started 35 games at Tulane over four years, was named the 2023 American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 2,406 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions with a career-high completion percentage of 65.4%.
Making huge plays is one of Pratt’s strengths. According to Pro Football Focus, he threw nine touchdown passes of 20 yards or more. He made runs outside the pocket in 2022, totaling 478 running yards and 10 touchdowns on 129 carries. It will be fascinating to see whether that component of Pratt’s game can carry over to the next level.
The Broncos require additional front-line support. Murphy, one of the draft’s greatest defensive lineman, might provide the solution. Murphy, a first-team All-Big 12 pick in 2023, started 14 games and had 29 tackles, including 8 ½ for loss. He had the second-highest sack total on the Longhorns, with five, and a pass rush win percentage of 19.6%. Denver struggled to provide consistent quarterback pressure to its defensive lineman. Murphy, a projected first-round pick, might help solve that problem.
Latu was a powerful pass rusher for the Bruins the past two seasons, recording 23.5 sacks. As a senior, he tied for fourth in the country with 13 sacks, the most by a UCLA player since Anthony Barr’s 13 ½ in 2012. Latu was selected the PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year after making 49 tackles (21 ½ for loss) and intercepting two passes. Since trading away Bradley Chubb in 2022, the Broncos have lacked a powerful pass rusher. Latu has the tools to bolster the Broncos’ pass rush.
Mitchell is athletic and has good ball skills. He defended 37 passes and intercepted six, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Mitchell did not allow a score in 437 coverage snaps in 2023, limiting opposition quarterbacks to a 51.1 passing rating, according to Pro Football Focus. Many mock drafts have the Broncos selecting Alabama’s Terrion Arnold. Mitchell is a probable first-round pick who should be monitored during the Senior Bowl.