Broncos Draft Strategy After Free Agency: How Does Denver Upgrade the Roster?

0:00D-N-V-R, D-R-F-A-D, we're doing it. That's right. Henry didn't get the memo to say we're doing it live from downtown Denver on the corner of Colfax in York right above the DMVR bar. We are live from the Toyota lounge, Toyota. Live bicariously? You always think it's that. It's not the whole thing. No, you've got to know it. Come on. Let's go places. That's where we're going. We are going places and that place is building the Broncos up into a contender. Into a contender. They're not one right now. Well, building off that contender year to become a bona fide ASC, set and forget power through the draft. Honestly, I'm joined by the great Henry Chisholm,

1:06the voice of the Broncos. That's what they call me. The magician. You hear Vasquez on the ones and two. Wait, he does magic? Yeah, he does. He does. What he does to make this show happen is in fact magical. Henry, the stock of this here draft pod, which I remind you, we are on the draft pod. So if you're like, who's this clown and you're upset because we're not talking Broncos from a Broncos perspective, we're talking Broncos from a draft perspective. We do this every week. We love you for tuning in. Please leave us a thumbs up and say nice things in the Toyota chat. Yeah. The stock of this here draft pod has never been higher. Yeah. Because a, somewhat of a punt on free agency. Yeah. Take a care of your own, you know? Yeah. Which I'm a big believer in. Yep. I mean, it just leaves everything for me. You don't just get to blow $100 million every year. Sad. Well, and I guess they did on Pats or Tams. I wish we

2:07could court on Sutton and Quinn Miners and you know, English soccer teams get to do that. They do baseball teams get to do that. Oh, I hate it. Yeah. But as of now. So we still have like the official numbers because the contracts aren't out yet. So just signed to me yesterday. You'd love to do some capital. I really would. And my best guess right now is that Broncos are about $20 million in cap space. Beautiful. After the draft class. So you'll probably save about $10 million going into, so I use during training camp and into the season, which gives you about $10 million bucks to play with. I would love to play. Yep. And so they'll, they'll, there's something on the way. I just don't know. In Joker, Rashad White. Sign me up. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Yeah. So that's what we want to get into is what does free agency mean? Obviously not all the dust has settled because as you just pointed out, should be $10 million to play with. They've always had the chance to make one kind of like real move. Yeah. And that's still right there. But it feels like waiting for the

3:12right opportunity or waiting for the right opportunity. It feels like a trade. Yeah. That probably would make sense. A chance of breeze hall from behind the set. Yeah. I just wish JK Dobbins could be better in past protection. So you're not having Tyler Badei. Yeah. On every obvious passing third down. I just wish she was on the field. I just wish she was on the field. That's all right. I know. And then the other thing, I really need like pass pro intel on all these running backs. Free agents and otherwise. I could pull up some some draft stuff. Okay. That'd be great. That'd be great. But so yes, Bronco's punting on things, which is why why the draft becomes more important than after you got a, you build a contender through the draft. And also this reagent superior, just a real reminder of like you draft a guy. He might not work out all the way. But boy, he's still going to have employment for a long time. Lots of draft bust

4:14getting second, third chances, millions of dollars sent their way. It's it's impressive. Yeah. There's never been a better time to feel good about your bad draft takes than in the last three days. Right. No. I mean, everybody gets contracts. Lots of draft bust getting paid. Yeah. Because there wasn't like a free agency with too much high end talent. Like you have linder bomb who's an elite center. Yeah, even then. Boy, that's number one. That Quinn minor. It's contract. Looks amazing. Absolutely. That powers what a steal. I know. That's palchill might be the signing of free agents. Totally. But yeah, I mean, and you go through there just aren't like was out pierced. I think he wound up being the highest paid receiver. Like that's right. That's a right medium starter at best. Like that's that's not anything special. And was just like the what ever for three yards. No running backs. I mean, Ryan Beck's all in perspective. But I stand by. There's 10 guys I take over. He did one of those two. And you just kind of go through

5:16the whole thing. And they're just there weren't many. There weren't many guys who you would add and say like, Oh, he's going to approval. You know, or just because most of them had never been to. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, so yeah, honestly, it makes me think maybe I've been too conservative on my draft grades. Maybe. Maybe we. Yeah. That seems like players are good. So you're right. The NFL is a little more lenient than I am. Right. Um, which surprising. But, uh, yeah, Hank, let's get into this because there's, there's a lot still even though the moves haven't been exciting. Not a ton has happened to Garner and alter our draft strategies. Right. Right. So can I start from this, this signing, the poucho signing, the not getting rid of them powers. Does that let's address need one which we can potentially take off the table?

6:20Do the Broncos still need O line help? Or do you think that need has significantly been pushed down to where that's maybe, you know, you got a little day three filler. But that's about it. So do you still think there's potential for an O line draft pick to happen in those coveted top three rounds, those coveted top 100 picks? So to me, to me, offensive line was never in need. I'll start there. It was always like there was a more of a planning ahead need. Yeah. Right. But even then like need might be a bit strong because he powers this up in a year at the McGlitch who stole Christmas in two years. Yeah. Yes. So I think there are opportunities to like make moves there. Yes. Which is why I was surprised to hear the Broncos say or say through reporters that they're not trading Ben Powers because that seems like something you would decide

7:24after the draft and not something that you would decide right now. Like I get when you resign poucho Ben's agent's going to call and be like, hey, wait, what's going on here? We don't need to be worried. And you say like, no, we're not going to cut you or whatever. We don't plan to trade you. And maybe you just feel like you have to say that in that moment. And the plan that we had all along was you could draft a guy with some tackle guard versatility in the first round. At that moment, you say trade Ben Powers and you can have the rookie compete with poucho for that job in year one. And then you kind of have pieces moving up. But when they come out and say we're not trading Ben Powers or again, say through agents or say through reporters that we're not trading Ben Powers. It surprises me. And I think I just don't really buy it. I think that their plan is to not do it. But if the opportunity falls, then yeah. And so you look at the offensive line though. Like Matt, Frank, Crumb, that your backup left tackle, right tackle, poucho obviously

8:27backup guard. And then you still have foresight in Garjulo for that backup center guard center position. Garjulo was hurt last year. So we really saw foresight played pretty well when he got in. So you have, you have like, say Garjulo or foresight is your backup center. That leaves you with nine, including one of those two. You could upgrade. There's room on the roster if you really wanted there to be. But I don't think it's more so at the board fall to you unless, unless that Ben Powers trade him on draft A plan is still alive, which may be the case. Yeah. And also moving on from Ben Powers leaning into poucho, I do think would be more of a lean in to more of a wide zone running attack than power, which is right. Powers aptly named does so well. But then when you bring back JK, do you say that maybe that isn't what we want to do anyway? Yeah, you know, like for JK, what he was so good at is letting those big boys just work their double teams and find the

9:30crease three seconds later, which is why sticking with Ben Powers maybe makes sense. It is most likely the three losses you have from the roster last year, all defenders. John Franklin Myers. Yep. The biggest. Yep. Dre Greenlaw. Yep. Another great Dre goes down. You hate to see them. And PJ lock. Right. Who maybe the John A Baron pick makes a little more sense with PJ gone. Yep. And then you still have a need at you at least need some youth and linebacker depth. Yep. You at least need a third running back. Yep. Tight end. I think you can still up the ceiling and, you know, get younger at that position. And I don't know, wide receiver. I think you certainly need one more receiver. I mean, right now Michael band is your fifth. And I just don't

10:36the bandy man after four years on the practice squad. I don't think all of a sudden you're saying like we got to do it like at the very least there's competition, you know. And we were talking so much about can you get that upgrade that has the trickle down effect of upgrading the whole wide receiver room. It seems like with the Broncos, maybe showing some interest in more run of the mill free agent wide receivers. They're thinking more depth. They're thinking let's not get to the spot we got in in the AFC championship where all of a sudden we're really lacking for depth. So maybe there's time for a vet depth piece. Totally. No, I think it'd make a lot of sense. And I think they were interested. You heard them talk about like Kendrick Bourne, for example. Yes, sir. Somebody like that. You can just plug in. Essentially, it feels like you always just have a little Jordan Humphrey as a backup plan. Yeah, like he's kind of your baseline. And

11:37so you can go through and say like, would we rather have Kendrick Bourne? Sure, we can go talk to Kendrick Bourne or whoever those names are. But in the end, if you wind up, those guys are too expensive. Like, I would guess that's what happened with Roby O'Dobbs. Like there was that first report, like there's some interest, like, Broncos could be interested. And their interest was probably like, oh, this guy's going to be like nine million bucks, eight million bucks. Expensive young man. Turns out it's double that, which he's just not worth. So I do think you, you, there will be a receiver on the Broncos opening day roster who is not currently on the roster. Nice. I think that's what we know for sure. Now, whether you go draft, whether you sign somebody, I think even if you're planning on drafting a guy, you still sign somebody now. If you have to carry six, you carry six. If you have to cut the bet, you cut the bet. And that's assuming it's more of like your little Jordan Humphrey deal. Yeah. And not the, like if you get Debo Samuel for eight million bucks or whatever he costs, then you can't

12:41move on from anybody. And then you can carry six if you had to. They have cut or traded a vet the back-to-back off seasons, just when it holds two years ago and 10 Patrick a year ago. Sure field in there too. Yeah. Oh, I love me some trench shirt. Yeah. So that sets the stage. Now we're going to get into ranking these needs from a priority standpoint. And then we'll get into some draft targets and build the Broncos. We're going to make this roster better. But first, a shout out to our friends at It's coming. It's coming guys. It's on its way. Slank TV. That's right. Slank TV is one of the most flexible ways to watch live TV. And they're getting you ready for the college hoops, turning, coming up, Tizmarch after all big Hank. And Slank TV gives you access to the games

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14:49They're real homies. They're real deal VR fans. They're all in on us, all in on our Broncos offices and coverage. And they are licensed general contractors who can help with any project bigger, small, they're available 24 seven and truly care about being there for their customers. The over 600 reviews prove this to be true. They'll work with your insurance to make sure a stressful process is as smooth as it can possibly be repair services offered fire damage, water damage, mold removal repair services, commercial projects, you name it, new builds, got you covered when the home emergency hits, new boat restoration and construction will be there at and you BILT.com or 720 902747 to let them know the NBR sent you. All right, Hank, we are so back. So yeah, we listed all those needs. Yep. How do you rank them? What is the most important of these needs?

15:59Geez. Yeah. Yep. So offense. So offense is a weird one because like I said, you don't have you don't have like a fifth receiver on your roster. Like you need to have a guy is like that, that is a need, but also we're talking about like a fifth receiver is not versus like on the line. Tight end, you have the bodies, but at the same time, like you probably get more out of it. So I think I think I go offensively tight end is the biggest need receivers, the second biggest and then more so than running back, huh? I think I also say that I think I think the best plan for the Broncos at running back is the trade deadline because I think right now, like looking at that David Montgomery trade, like that's something you could have done, but also I don't think it's responsible or would make David Montgomery happy if you added him to a backfield that already has RJ Harvey JK Dobbins. The Broncos need they

17:01they need another starting running back. That's what they need is insurance and I think that's a lot easier to go and get one of those guys for I mean, it's going to cost a third or fourth round pick. It's not the end of the world. Just go do that to trade deadline. You know, like you can add them at that point because you don't you're not going to find a running back who's better than JK Dobbins, you know, or and you want to get touches for RJ Harvey too. So I think to me, there's no rush. You just need to have that insurance by the trade deadline when you can no longer replace JK. And if something happens before the trade deadline to JK, then the doors open you know, trade a first round pick if you need to, like go get go get yourself a star because that's open. I think there's to me no rush because I'm confident JK is going to start the season and it's just kind of what happens from there. Although going and drafting a running back, I think you should do it. Like you've got nine picks. One of them should be a running back. But I don't think that it's a situation where you have to get one early because I think

18:04trading next year's third round pick at the trade deadline gets you a better running back for this playoff run than spending a third round pick on a rookie in this draft, you know. Yeah. So that's why the need is similar to linebacker. Right. Like it's not a need. You just need some refreshments. Right. But less of an instant need. And I'd agree on tight end. Yep. That's where the offensive multiplicity needs to be upped. Yep. Weird tight end class to do that with. It really is. But there's some talent. There's some talent. So okay. And what about on the defensive side? Defense. Like you said, linebacker similar to running back and then start playing for the future. And like I really like level Bailey. I really like Jordan Turner. Crenny Reed is somebody they really like. They like all. So you have like good young linebacker prospects who've been in the system for a couple of years. Yes. And I think we will see at some point this season. And by the end of the year, we might say, oh, you let's get level Bailey on

19:06the field more. Because last time he was on the field, that's what we left thinking. At the same time, it does feel like this is kind of a golden opportunity to like there's room on the roster. You can carry one of those guys or two of those guys. You had no issue getting level Bailey who I thought would be the toughest to get the practice squad to the practice squad last year. So you can hold on to those guys while also adding guy in the draft. And so there's this 53 man roster crunch that's always easy to forget at this time of the year. You're always on top of that. But I think I think linebacker is just a position where it's easy to add in the draft and not. There's no cost. Deep class. Third, third day, you got to get a linebacker some way, somehow take advantage of that. At some, at some point could be could be that's where you think the value is there's no reason not. Yeah. I'm assuming D line is the more pressing need then. I mean, so you go through the room. You've got Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Malcolm Roach,

20:10yes. And he was a reek a correct. Savion. Yeah. And I believe those are the five with obviously you've been keeping like Jordan Jackson on. He was he played a lot two years ago and then you draft Savion. So he's practice squad on the bench. And then headings in who I thought played pretty well. 2022 didn't play as well 2023. Yeah. And then practice squad for death reasons because he fell behind Jordan Jackson. And then this year towards Achilles and Camps we never saw him. So I think you have, if those are your seven, I think like you're good. But there's obviously that sixth roster spot which you're talking about giving to Jordan Jackson. You could go get a rookie there. So I don't know that it's pressing that you do that. But again, it's one of those windows to a roster spot that I think would make some sense if the opportunity's there. Can they stay the orange rush? My t-shirt. Oh, here's without JFM.

21:11The concern I guess the other side is if you draft a guy in the fifth round defensive line, he's not going to be better than Jordan Jackson this year. And so then you're rostering a guy who's not as good as the other. Which you don't have to give him a jersey. There's ways around it. But that would be the concern. So I think early defensive line makes sense but don't take one just to take one later on because I think it just makes you worse in the short term. For sure. And that might not be worth it because you're not getting the fifth round picked to the practice squad. That's similar to the tight end combo. Yeah. But yeah, with, with use, have an open roster spot. I think you carry four this year. And so like you've got Ingram, Troutman, Adkins, and they bring Lucas Cole back for training camp. But he's not. So D line's still a bigger need than linebacker though? No, I go linebacker. Yeah. Just because I mean, and then the PJ lock. I'd say that's probably the biggest DB. No, I mean, biggest. I think that's a guy who gets on the field more. Maybe equal, maybe

22:13equal linebacker. So for the sickle the linebacker, what type of we talked about what type of D line man you need? We were off the edges. Yep. Cashus house really dropping down boards Hank. Yeah. He's just not what the Broncos need sadly. No, he is not. No, there's just no room on the team for an adresher DB wise. So you need more of that bigger true five technique or even just defensive tackle type. I would go, I just want quick first step. That's like give me, I want JFM. Yeah. Ideally, it's like a three tech. Yeah. Either it's three, five. And I know there's just aren't many day off types. No, I'm not sure if that's always the case, but certainly this year. Yeah. I really struggled to find one of those because I already been like any big edges who would say could bump inside. Obviously, I mean, like Ruben Bane and some of those guys at the top, but not I'm a Bronco. I'm back to talking myself into TJ Parker, the Clemson edge. Yep. 10 pounds heavier, an inch taller, an inch longer arms than Jonathan

23:21Cooper. Is that enough? Probably not. Yeah. But I'm willing to talk myself into it. And then it's mostly the D line men types. I'll get into the options a little later when we're building the Broncos. What type of DB do you need? Is this more of a safety? Safety. Okay. Yep. Single high type. Got me multiple and this defense you have to do both. Okay. Yep. So one of those guys checks off a lot of boxes, can play some big nickel for us. Wouldn't hurt. Can play some single high, can play some too high, can play in the box. That's the ideal. Yep. Okay. That sounds like a pretty premier player. It does. What type of tight end are we seeking? Because you have two blocking tight ends and Troutman adkins, you have two receiving tight ends in Ingram Crowell. Yeah. Which one, which box are we trying to check? I would start by saying Crowell is not part of the conversation. I think I think well, when you give a guy the minimum contract that's not guaranteed. He's not going to be on the team

24:23for August. I think there's similar as Jordan Jackson, right? Oh, like there. Yeah. It might be hard to find if you need him. He's there. Like for now, I trust Crowell more than Caleb Loner, for example. Right. Right. Who has I think a better chance of making the team still though. But yeah. So I think it is just the multiple guy. It's you're still looking for like your Adam Troutman upgrade. Somebody who can block and catch and do it well. The in light head end with some skills. What's our running back type that we're looking for? Just anything. I more of a receiver Joker, more of a downhill bruiser. All would work. Like I think I don't know that you have to have two different types of running back. Pros and cons to that. Obviously, but I think like I guess I would lean towards somebody who can just go run between the tackles. But that can

25:28be vision. That can be my chance turned into somebody. James Cook has turned into a guy who's really good between the tackles. And he's not necessarily that body type. So I just I'm totally open-minded. I think right now like there are some past protection snaps open. But I think if you go into the draft hunting for that in particular, you might be missing the larger plot, which is that like next year, do you want to be back in this off scene saying, well, we've gotten upgraded Tyler but hey, but what is that? You know, so like if you have like the Joker stuff, that's great. If you have the between the tackles stuff, that's great. And honestly, I don't think this guy sees the field all that much this year. Unless like if you trade up for Jeremiah Love, but most likely you're sitting as a third running back. I'm like I said, I think you go outside unless unless something unless you really pop, you're not going to be the JK replacement when JK gets hurt. I don't think. Yeah, I think they learned that lesson. Can I hold your feet to the fire and have you rank these needs now?

26:29Yes, tight end one. DB two. Yeah, I'm going to flip that. I'm going to go lineback over DB. Okay, tight end one, linebacker two. DB, you know, it's not just losing PJ Lock, it's that Brandon Jones also a free agent in a year. Well, and Jay Mac and Riley also next year. So so so next year you're you're like the Broncos don't have salad cap space in the future. Yeah, correct. And for all the people who said when our case says the salary cap isn't real, it is actually real. Come on, which stinks, but you are going to lose one of those guys at least. I think like Chris Abrams drain. You've got Jade. I think you're fine. So I'm not talking myself in the corner. So yeah, safety is in there as well. So tight end linebacker safety. D line. It'd be D line or running back. Either way, do you have an opinion? I

27:37similar. Well, let's go running back. Chancid guy pops more likely to be productive early. To think about D line is like I'm either drafting a D line man in the first two rounds or I'm probably not drafting one at all. Right. Right. Which I don't know what which makes it not feel like a need in hindsight. You know, well, it's a you're probably fine without JFM. Because numbers wise, you're fine. But are you going to get the again orange rush total? Are you able to still be the orange rush without JFM? Right. And any user equate taking those snaps. Right. Yeah, I'm curious what those snaps even look like. I know how many of them go to Malcolm? How many go to any? Right. Because any does have like the length and like the occasional verse that you see, like those feet are quick to be a pass rusher. But we mostly saw them in run-stuffing situations because he's three hundred and forty pounds. So I yeah, meanwhile Malcolm has just been like he's he's

28:40just your B plus at everything. So he fills Malcolm straight. I do think Malcolm's the replacement. Yeah. Yeah. That's it's tough. But yeah, honestly, the Broncos in the grand scheme of the NFL, the needs aren't bad. Or maybe more, you know, exotic fronts. Right. Like John Ellis can play with Cooper and Benito and obvious passing down. So we're right. Get ready to learn Dondry or Q. You know, I thought Q started really flashing. Yeah. Totally. That's just I wish Cooper and Benito weren't were less of the liabilities they are as run defenders right now. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, and Benito is getting better too. Yeah. I mean, there were a couple years where he was just kind of unplayable against the run. And now he's gotten to the point where it's like, I don't know, he's not to like the Von Miller level of figuring that out. But there are some similar traits or just

29:45find a figure out how to use that quickness to be able to dodge a block, even if putting your shoulder in a guy and knocking him back is going to be tricky. Yeah. And it's why the internal development of these guys is while it's annoying, probably not the worst course of action for the most part. That's why Dondry and Q, you get them out there and see what they can do in those situations. Okay. And Savion. I mean, Savion is probably your best true JFM replacement. Right. I mean, you're talking about college. We not see him more because the defensive line was healthy. Yeah, because he could get a uniform because you don't have to take it from any and he doesn't if the other guy other teams out there on 13 person, how do you want any and not Savion? Those are any snaps fair enough. Okay. This gives us this context to start building the Broncos. That's right. Yeah. Yeah. We're building the Broncos because presented by new built new little branded segment. You love to see it. We're building the Denver Broncos with new built restoration and construction when that home emergency hits new

30:48build restoration and construction will be there at NUBI LT dot com or 720 902747 to let them know DMVR sent you. Look at that beautiful graphic. God, new builds. Amazing for doing this for us. Um, it's okay, Henry. Let's start with tight end. Yep. Ted end of not going to lie to you, Hank. End of round one. I don't know that things line up. Yep. Especially if you want that true why in line tight end. Right. Because at the end of the first, I think it's more guys like Justin Jolie. Uh, NC state tight end. Nice receiving tight end. Reminds me a little bit of Harold Fanon. Reminds Fran Duffy are all city draft analyst of Dawson Knox. That's from the draft guide. Um, Max Claire, the Purdue transfer who went to Ohio State underwhelming tape at Ohio State.

31:54But intriguing tape at Purdue. But those are the receiving tight end types. Right. You want the inline guys, the Sam Roush's short arms Sam Roush. Um, Nate Bork Kischer, the, um, Texas A&M tight end who Fran is high on tight end three. You know what his pro compass? No, Adam Troutman ever heard of him. Um, you know, the other Ohio state tight end. Another tough name for, for me, will Camerec. Very good blocking tight end. Nice size AJ Barner is the comp for Fran there. But all of those the true inline guys too rich for the end of round one. Yep. So I think you're hoping for them to be, you know, and I really like our, our big 12 guys, Joe Royer from Cincinnati, Tanner Kazoil, who has the size of an inline tight end.

32:57More of a big receiving tight end right now. Um, Michael Trigg from Baylor's really fun, ginormous hands and arms, but definitely a receiving tight end. All those guys, that's, that's where, you know, we wait till late day, you know, round two and we can start thinking about these things. Start thinking about round two and maybe there's a trade back situation. Maybe there's a trade up in the third round. So, you know, round three, round two. That's where we start to address tight end of the future. Yep. I do really like Sam Roush. I think, I think what the Broncos have lacked is just a guy who you put on the field and he can block. And you, there is no negative impact to your run game. Because even that's where with Troutman, sometimes the stats are tough because like they're, they're tears of tight ends who you, first of all, just never put on the, you do your best to avoid putting them on the field when you're running the football. Then they're the guys that you kind of hide on the back side.

33:59Yeah. And then there are the guys who you actually like run power and go to his side or outside zone, you're going to his side. And, and so sometimes I think the numbers get kind of knocked because here's like, well, you're half the tight ends. You would never try to run this play because he's out there in this position anyway. And when it doesn't work, you forget about the times that it does work. And I think that's the guy the Broncos want. First of all, ideally, somebody you just want to run behind. And then just by being on the field as a big body can provide some receiving threat, or just like those easel out routes leak out over the middle. You don't need to be a superstar receiving tight end to go get 550 yards in the NFL. You know, you just need to be on the field enough. You can catch some easy passes. So I think that's where, that's where you look. That's why like that's exactly what Sam Roush did at Stanford. And some of those other guys that A&M guys also interested. Yeah. Will Calc Murek really feels like he'd

35:02be a fit, but boy, the receiving stats are nothing to write home about. That's the part. Nothing to write home. No, 15 catches 168 yards and 11. Yeah, 11 starts. That's where like, with Roush, he's your second leading receiver. I think it's not flashy stuff. It's just, yeah, I can run an out route when we have leverage. And I'm too big for him to get through me. I guess worth mentioning Eli Stowers, another receiving tight end maybe in that late first range. But again, it sounds like that's not the type we're going after, not our type. It wouldn't make as much sense. Okay. So let's translate. It would be no. I was going to say let's go to DB, but no, you've said linebacker need to probably. I mean, you're just okay. Here's where our options in the late first to become interesting. Mm-hmm. CJ Allen, Georgia, Jacob Rodriguez, Texas tech, Anthony Hill, Texas, as far as late first, that's kind of what we got. Yeah, it's kind of what we're

36:05working with. Yep. Jake, Jake Olde, Cincinnati. Okay. They draft one of these guys, man. I'm not going to be super pleased. And I'm a pretty big Anthony Hill guy. I'm not going to be super pleased. I'm just not. Why? Well, first off, it's the modern NFL. Like, I'm kind of like forget linebacker. Where's the next next Nicanuari, you know, give me a safety like that. Get you someone who can do both. Get me that defensive Joker. That's what I want. I don't want some another linebacker. It's just meat and potatoes, enough meat and potatoes. I want to, I want a flambé. I want them coming to my table and like using those blow torches and light and shit on fire in front of me, you know, let's have some fun with it. We're building the Broncos for new built here, right? Well, maybe new built more meat and potatoes kind of guys, you know, they

37:10understand when the home repair comes, they need to address it the right way. Yeah. And it's a deep linebacker class. I just, I just wait later on like who stands out later on because that's where I struggled. Yeah. I mean, Tori in York is a fun one Texas A&M 510. Yeah. Yeah. But premier traits, um, Bryce Botcher or again, would be fun. But the guy I really, I really love Hank is Kyle Lewis from pit converted safety. He's got the cover skills. He was a monster and one on one coverage against, um, against, uh, you know, the, the running backs and coverage one on one. I think he's the perfect kind of modern linebacker. He's 101 on france board. J.O.K. is his comp. Isn't that sound awesome? And that's a little of the diversity we maybe

38:12don't have in that linebacker room, you know, it's J.O.K. like 64. I thought J.O.K. was pretty undersized. That could be wrong. Yeah. And then I don't know. I mean, J.O.K. is out there. Deonte Lawson or Justin Jefferson, the two, um, the two Bama linebackers, lander Barton, um, from Utah would be in that mix. Um, you know, that's where we, that's where Kendall Daniels massive converted safety 65242 Oklahoma linebacker. These are the names that would intrigue me in day two among the linebackers. Interesting. But Henry, from what you're telling me need wise, boy, I think it really lines up for a DB. Yeah. Oh, I think it really lines up for a DB, folks. Emmanuel McNeil Warren from Toledo six three size forced fumbles can check off all the boxes

39:18you were asking of. Yeah. Yeah. It's interesting. Those linkier guys, because remember, this is a coaching staff that didn't, that didn't want Justin Simmons. And part of it's the salary situation, but a lot of it was like that just not necessarily the build they're going for. Like they want somebody who can pop a little bit more and isn't so like, Lanky, and I disagree with them. Like I love a guy who has like that length and range to make plays deep. Um, yeah, but that's not what they're about, which makes me wonder about Emmanuel McNeil Warren. They do like their little guys. Huh. Yeah. They want the stout little just punch like the same, honestly, same thing with the linebackers, but the most part is they aren't, they aren't big on like the Lanky range you guys. It's just the, I know you like their draft and CJ L and aren't they. Oh, I know. It's the first round pick for the Toyota Chaff making your belt insane. An inside linebacker in the first will play less than Jade Baron did last year. I mean, that's the plan. Yeah. And I, maybe I'm

40:20just all vegetative, but I don't, I don't see rookies helping the Broncos out too much this year. I'll make you feel better. They're not going to use the first round pick. I, I do think it's a perfect point to trade down. I think they trade for a player. That's my thing too. I think I think most likely they're trading it for a weapon given these options were laying out, maybe not a bad choice. Outside of McNeil Warren, Dylan Thinman, we talked about how he the Oregon safety is probably gone by the 30th pick with his incredible combine. I really like AJ Halsey from LSU. Don't think the end of the first is too rich, but really? Okay. If you trade it down, maybe it lines up even better. And in day two, Kamari Ramsey of USC, Jalen Kilgore of South Carolina. Would all be guys. I'd be very interested in. And then corner hank because you didn't mention how Riley Moss, Jay Mac, you're good. If you don't

41:21drive from this year, you're going to draft one next year. And I tell you, first off, if you like little punchy guys, there's a guy at Indiana named the angel of ponds. Oh my god. Yes, there is. He's 5882. Um, who gosh, I'm torn because a first rounder, that small at corner has seldom been drafted that high. But boy, he feels like the Broncos might be intrigued. And then I do keep seeing these mocks were Jermod McCoy. My, let's double check. Fifth ranked prospect in the entire draft class, the Tennessee DB, who was out all of last year with an ACL. But as a sophomore was incredible for the Tennessee Vols, when that defense really was like the stronger unit for Tennessee. And you know, they go to the playoffs, they lose to Ohio State. Um, I think he could be a phenome. Oh, yeah. Uh, well, obviously is my fifth prospect in the entire draft. If he dropped

42:24to you, the value might just be so good that you can't pass it up. And it's so tough to imagine dropping. And all the Riley haters like guys, that's, I, I think your standards are too high. But this is one of those few guys, I would say, I think in the first couple of years, could be an upgrade on Riley Moss as an outside corner and all of a sudden, you can never hear like, who's Houston's defense better? Like no. Yeah. No, not with Jermod McCoy opposite Patser 10. What about Chate bear it out there? And Chate bear. He doesn't know. I know. That's what I'm saying. I mean, and the other thing is like, I see a lot of these mocks where the, the chiefs are waiting on their corner at 29. I think that ninth pick overall is where they might have to get their corner. Mansour Delaney or, or Jermod McCoy might be staring them in the face, but it is a deep corner class. A lot of upside, a lot of really talented kids, a lot of like standouts in college.

43:30And, and that, that continues not just at the end of the first end of the second end of the third. Um, you know, Dale and Everett from Georgia will leave from Texas A&M. Chante Scott, who feels very Bronco Esque, the, uh, nickel corner safety for Miami. Chris Johnson, who's outstanding San Diego State corner. Um, Devon Moore from Florida, Julian Neal from Arkansas, who's a freak. Colton Hood, Brandon C. Say, Malik Muhammad from Texas. There's a lot of corner options to where I think we weren't talking about this a couple months ago and we're making jokes about, well, George Peyton, be able to resist. But it's just the way this draft class lines up. I think you might, I mean, geez, I was looking at France board. So in the top 100, he has 15 corner backs. Right. That's more than any other positions by far, which means you can get one in the third round.

44:31Some like indeed indeed. Yeah. I mean, it's interesting. Those have 11 edge rushers in the top 100. Like the, the plan is for jade to be a starter in 2027 though. Like that has to be the plan. Yes. And so, yes, a better. We have, you have to factor in, you draft one of these guys, then all of a sudden, jade is back to the bench, which is unlikely. And so I think that's the kicker. Unless, unless it's, unless it's in a key j lock replacement. Right. Yeah. If you could play primarily at safety or, oh, or jade. Uh-huh. Yeah. They still say boundary corner, but I agree with you. Like safety would make a lot of sense. At some point, if we see him like play some safety, that's when my mind will go to like real possibility, they're going to do it. Like I've got to see it before I think they're lying to us. Okay. Um, but yeah, I mean, it's your biggest loss next season.

45:33Probably next off season probably will be jakewan or Riley though. I think that that's, when you know that fact right now, it has to be tempting. But the fact that it last year, I think we're living in world where a latte Taylor just got $20 million. Oh, I know. Like Riley is getting $20 million a year. Pretty easily. And it's tough to see the Broncos match now. He's getting that. What's J-Mac getting? Like he's going to be pushing $20 million too, even though he's a nickel corner. Gun to your head. Pick one. Who do you spend the money on? Henry, there's a gun to your head. I think I lean J-Mac. Yeah. Same sees. I think so. Same sees. But a lot of it just has to do with where you see jade. Same sees. So I don't know. But get like the Broncos are entering their salary cap hell era. Hell yeah. And so like you're just you're past the days of being able to just bring back like $20 million of your players when you have two at the same position. So I do think corner in the first round probably isn't alive,

46:37but the guy slips to the third round. I think it's very much alive. Yep. Some ball knowledge being shown in the Toyota chat with Arizona safety trade and stooks being thrown out. Arizona. Some interesting DBs including Dalton Johnson who's ranked higher for Fran. There's those Wildcats had a lot working. Genesis Smith, another interesting DB out of that program. Okay. Remind me. Did we say running back next? Yeah. I think we did. Okay. End of the first. It's jadorian price. And that's it. Yeah. He kind of is a can do both for you. You hope. Yeah. Yeah. Like that your goal. If you're asking the first round, he'd better be able to. Now I keep coming back to our convo from last week where boy, I watch Jonah Coleman and I'm like, he's everything. Sean Peyton loves in a running back. Could you get him in the late second? I just don't think of running back like

47:40that's worth a second round pick. Low to the ground, 220 pounds can catch, can pass pro, can run between the lines, can stretch it outside. I think you don't like that. At that point in the draft, you still just have to have to be a little bit more explosive. Like you don't, you don't need to be running four, four, but like I just don't, is he going to give you the big play thread? No, no, he's not. That's where like that, that just feels like a little too rich for me in the second round. So you're a Mike Washington guy. Mike Washington run, you know those like they run upright a lot, right? But like they've got those choppy legs that are hard to bring down and then they have the long speed. The Arkansas running back a combine darling. It's just after becoming a combine darling. I'm not sure he lasts till the end of the second. And the other thing is this running back class with a lot of guys staying in school and getting that NIL money. Yeah.

48:42I feel like no matter who you go after, you got to kind of overdraft them. That's my feeling. Like you probably need to draft them a half round to a round earlier to get the guy you want. And he been looking at the later round guys. Like they just, it's not great. They just aren't, that's I want to take. That's not like you look at like Jay not. It's like you go back a couple years ago and he was good. Jay not. I can't. I just don't think that that's a guy who's going to be like like I have the Broncos don't need just like, yeah, he's a fine running back. Like why not put him in numbers? Like if you're drafting a guy, you need to be able to convince yourself that he's either going to be like a number one running back at some point in his career or he's going to be the type of like weapon that you can move around that's going to be useful. And like Jay not, I just, that I'm not willing to bet on him being a starting running back that you're not constantly trying to replace. Like Adam Randall, the idea is fun and theory. And then you're just like, well, he's not fast enough to be explosive. Yeah. And if you're not going to be explosive as a converted receiver running back, like what do you do? Or like Jam Miller, or it's you watch him occasionally bam and

49:47you're like, oh look at he can, and he's like, well, there's not good. Are you actually going to be and then if you want to be explosiveness as a Emmett Johnson of Nebraska, as a demon clayborn of Wake Forest, he's only 188 pounds. At least Johnson's 202. I don't know. It's just not a good class. Yeah. And Toyota chat right in pointing out that Washington has some some fumbling issues, eight career fumbles, even though he's only a one year starter. Yeah. I mean, there's a reason that a guy with that size and speed and SEC pedigree is not being talked about in the top 20. And Sean, Sean said at the combine that they did a study on running backs who fumbled in college and found that it doesn't really translate to the NFL. Nice. So you don't they seem like they would not be worried. Also seems like a Sean kind of thing to say like, yeah, don't worry about this. And hopefully Mike Washington gets drafted in the

50:48first round and he's sitting there laughing saying like, why would you draft? So that's why you just never trust a word any of them say. That's where we go to D line next. Yeah. And I think first round, you could hope Keldrick Falk drops you. Perfect J. FM replacement. You could hope torn on Keldrick Falk, but perfect J. FM replacement. Yes. And then it's I don't know you hope Peter Woods or the aforementioned TJ Parker drop to you. Peter Woods, the Clemson D lineman, Peter Woods would be lots of fun. Kayla Banks, the Florida behemoth who moves like a guy 50 pounds lighter. He's funny. He does all the rare things you shouldn't expect the D lineman to do, right? It's the meat and potatoes things that you do expect a D lineman to do, which I'm like, I'm not sure. Right. It's great just like taking on two offensive linemen or playing with good leverage at six six and

51:49being a a stoop run defender. You were talking first step. Like he's more of a pursuit guy, you know, which is again, like, whoa, how's the six six three hundred and 30 pound guy running guys down five seconds after the ball was snapped. But it's also like, why can't you just beat someone off the snap and get in the backfield right off the bat consistently? You're three hundred and 35 pounds when we don't want you at the point of attack. Yeah. That's just a tough combo. And then it's a lot of, it's a lot of nose tackles in this class. It's a great nose tackle class. Well, don't do that. We just talked about any nose, nose tackle, just pay DJ Jones. Yeah, nose tackles back up, back up nose tackle for at least the next few years. So it's like, either you get one of those couple elite guys to drop to the two Clemson kids and Kendrick Falk, maybe Kayla Banks. After that, what do you? Yeah. Yeah. How does this guy get on the field? Yeah. Yep. Yep. Oh, boy, Henry.

52:53Can I throw something else at you? Grim. I kind of think I'm leaning at the moment. If the Broncos make their first round pick, I think most likely might be receiver because I don't think they're in a position where they have to draft for need. Like, I think, I think like, because what did we come away with saying is worth the first round pick? Like maybe a safety, maybe a safety slash. And we, we did really corner, right? Slash, if those D line men dropped. Yeah. You're right. So if a D line dropped, which again, the chap doesn't want to hear they're drafting a defender. No, but that is where the board lines up. Defenses where the value should be. Yeah. Like in a perfect, in a vacuum, you say, what should the Broncos do without looking at who's available? I'd say first round, first round, I might go running back. Second round, I might go defensive line. Third round, I might go. That's when it opens up to a bunch of that's probably a premium spot for like a multiple

53:55tight end who has who lacks like the 40 time or whatever. And you go through that way, but just I don't think this draft class fits that well. And I think even if receiver isn't like a need, there is like, I think there's going to be a really good receiver there at 30 who could make an impact as a rookie that maybe even some of those first round defensive linemen couldn't make as a rookie. There's a lot of teams in the 20s and beyond who are in that wide receiver market. Yeah. So I worry the well might dry up. In fact, once the 20s hit, I think we're really hoping those teams draft edges and not wide receivers. It seems like a lot of teams who need edge rush and wide receiver help. I would love Omar Cooper Jr. I think the stock has raised enough for the Indiana wide receiver to wear. Interesting. He might go just before. Wow. See, I was a long go. We were thinking like pick 30 might be. Oh, I know. To reach to rich. Now he might be gone. That's what this he

55:00he loved. Trayvon Henderson this year where it's like, can you get him in the second? Can you get him in the second? And they just don't have a set and it's just like, no, like he's the first hundred percent. After that, I would love Chris Bell, kind of the German McCoy of the wide receivers, a very AJ Brown-esque, but how soon will you be able to play tough to say, can Denzel Boston, the big Washington wide receiver dropped to you? Casey Concepcion, are you interested in a true slot? Torn, torn. And then it's like, well, later rounds, could I interest you in a size speed upside play like a Bryce Lance from the FCS country, which you're familiar with? Or Chris Brazel, who has the Tennessee stank on him, but you know, that offense is really wacky and weird, but boy, the kid is tall, productive, runs like the wind. Yeah. And what are the odds that

56:05they wind up? Let's say there's nine of these guys, eight of these guys who could be in some teams top three receivers. Yep. Yep. For sure. Could the Broncos be saying very much? Chris Brazel, to us, we think he should be a top 10 pick, but because there are so many guys who it's kind of tough to sift through, he's still there at 25. And so you decide, wait, we can trade up for this guy. And that's just one name. It could be Chris Bell. It could be Casey Concepcion. It could be McCoy element. It's tough to figure out what order these guys are going to go, I think. And then I do think there might be an offensive tackle or two that drops like a Caleb Lomu from Utah, Maxi Hennachor from Arizona state. Is it among the bench for two years? Also, the value really lines up for a top interior alignment, which with poucho re-signed, I don't know. I don't know. Right. That doesn't feel like

57:09smart business. Boy Henry, some real decisions. But that was building the Broncos presented by New Bill. And gosh, we love them for it. Let's get into some super chats real quick. Yeah, you mine. Stretching it out my eyes. They're not, they're not what they used to be. Young Gaya. There we go. Okay. From Purlapine. Love you, Mr. Lapine. Thank you for the $9.99 and super chat. Round pick player, 130 Eli Stowers, 62 Mike Washington, 94, 8 in Fisher. That's the interior linebacker from Indiana. He's a weird spot on boards. Yes. Yes. Like potentially not even like draftable to some. Yeah. Yeah. Round four, early round four, Zayn Durant. Don't know him. It's a nice one. He's a Penn State defensive lineman. Okay. 130 Denzel Boston, brother. He's gone. He might be gone. He might be gone before the 30th pick.

58:14He might not, I mean, that's the thing about these receivers. Round five, Armace and Thomas, love him. Not what the Broncos need an undersized ed rusher. Another guy I would bet is gone in the top 50. Raylon Wilson, pick 246. Georgia linebacker. Yeah. That sounds right. Remember he was talking to us about Raylon Wilson last week, last week as well. Skylar Bell in the seventh, Albert Regis, another one in the seventh. Look, it'd be a dream draft because you've got some guys in the day three who are first rounders or at least top 50 picks. Stowers, though, I don't know. I really don't know about stowers, brother. Another super chat from agent Cinco 007. Thank you,

59:14agent Cinco. Eli Hendrick equals great value CMC. Eli Hendrick, the Navy wide receiver running back. We were talking about him with Fran months ago as a perfect Sean Peyton type of pick. So I approve that also going back to pure lapine smock. Let's not forget our favorite full back tight end from Indiana, right? Whose name is really hard for me to pronounce, but he would be. You're not alone this time. Yeah. And Streetside Nomad with the $2 super chat saying is Bronco's free agent silence, a sign of a big trade coming. I think so. I think that's what makes the most sense at this point because I don't I don't see like we can talk about. Do they have the cap for it? They do. I mean, that's kind of what they have. I would say so. That's why you

1:00:16hoard the cap. That's why you've got like $10 million to play with. I don't think going and getting like Dallas Goddard. You'd be like, yeah, that's an upgrade. There would be some juice there. But I think that packaging that when you don't have a lot of money to spend, yeah, you can throw a pick in with it. Yeah. And all of a sudden, it becomes worth a lot more because you're just using more assets, giving assets to another team that are paid the signing bonus. And I think that you're just in a situation where that makes a lot of sense. And it stinks that they aren't they've kind of they've pushed cap hits down the line so much to this point that you you needed to take a year to be responsible and not do all that because like you're bottom five in cap space the next two years. And you got to pay bow and there's a bunch of other contracts up. So I do think that finding I think there's a trade out there that that makes them better. And you're giving up draft capital to do it versus like I don't think again, Dallas Goddard being one example. I don't think Dallas Goddard takes you from like Super Bowl

1:01:18contender to let's all bet on the Broncos. They're going to do it. Like you make some better for sure though. AJ Brown aside as their trade out there that I vaccinate you and partake. I wonder I mean, I know like the Jalen Waddle thing has been close to happening before. That's just a fact and it's been a conversation for 12 months for the Broncos at least. Yeah. But sometimes at the trades that'd be big time. Right. Especially if you just get rid of the 30th pick for him. Yeah, I'm not huge. Waddle fan personally, but I do think that that's one that's still probably possible. Garrett Wilson. I don't I like him very well. He's very small. He's just very small. And I think for a slot receiver for Sean Peyton, I'm not sure that's exactly what you want because no, you lose the blocking. There are a lot of plays where you wish he was a little jump free, which Bull could benefit from totally. I do too. A safety blanket. I like him. Garrett Wilson. Great hands catches the ball away from his frame, which is something you don't see from

1:02:19Jalen Waddle, for example. But it's mostly wide receivers. I think I think a trade for a receiver because I think about like the AJ Brown trade would be court in a second for AJ Brown or maybe I don't even know that the Eagles say yes to that, but I do think that a trade probably makes the most sense at this point and receiver of all trades certainly makes more sense than any other position. So that's that's where I'm at. And sometimes they come out of nowhere. What about some of the forgotten tight end twos like Colcomat and Chicago, Luke Musgrave in Green Bay. Yeah. Michael Meyer in Las Vegas. So Colcomat, for example, and most of those guys really, you wouldn't likely have brought back Adam Trautman if you were going to do that. Yeah. Like you would probably do that as a replacement instead of an addition. Although knowing that you don't put Evan Ingram on the field in two tight end sets, unless you're

1:03:21specifically trying to get the defense to do something. Yes, yes, yes, yes. 12 personnel mass grade as 11. Yeah. Right. You could look at it as like a Nate adkins upgrade, which go right ahead. But then all of a sudden you're saying like we're you're really buying into the third tight end. Other thing with those. And that's where like it isn't enough of an upgrade over God or orange Oku to justify rising the draft capital. Because like Colcomat is making you pay him about about 10 million bucks in 2026, 10 million bucks again in 2027. So that's like your cap space, which is a decent use for it. Like I said, like if if you're not sure Dallas Goddard is going to be like what gets you over the top for basically that same amount of money, I'm less confident that Colcomat's that guy. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I really thought I'd be able to gain some clarity. All I've gained from this is Emanuel McNeil Warren feels like

1:04:24you're doing a mock mock Emanuel McNeil Warren. I see that I saw the Lee Hunter chat. We mocked him to the Broncos a little while back, but he has a pure no stackle. So I don't know about that one. Also people talking about the extension for court for venting a trade. That is correct. It's really, really hard to trade court because of that. The flip side is the reason it would work in an AJ Browns trade is because the inverse is true for the Eagles. And so you would have to make like a couple of tweaks to your seller cap this year to make it all like add up perfectly, but because they have paid the massive signing bonus to AJ Brown and the Broncos have paid the massive signing bonus to court, those cancel out. And so you're not all of a sudden just like paying 30 million dollars to courtland Sutton to do nothing on this entire extension and trade away because they're doing the same thing. So that's why that in particular works. It wouldn't work just like in a vacuum or in most other deals. Yeah, that's time to wrap it up. We could talk for another hour, frankly. But thank you all

1:05:30for tuning in. Leave us a thumbs up. Henry will be talking about this for another hour with Alex Singleton. Great stuff. I think I'll be on the Broncos pod on Friday. So if you're not sick of me, then bang, you're going to get more here soon. Love you guys. Thank you for tuning in. Leave us a thumbs up on the way out. Mile high salute to you all.