After the Denver Broncos traded for Russell Wilson, they were only left with five selections for the 2023 NFL draft. So, what does this mean for their NFL draft odds? Well, they only have five selections, none of which are before the third round.
However, they then traded Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins, and now they have a first-round pick, which originally belonged to the 49ers.
With 1 first-round pick and 2 third-round picks, they do have an opportunity to leave the 2023 NFL draft with quite a lot of talent, but will they?
There are some awesome prospects this year, however, there are a lot of prospects in terms of wide receivers, so let’s take a quick look at what the Broncos might get, and we aren’t listing wide receivers just for the fun of it!
Most years we are littered with quarterback talent, but this year the wide receiver game is strong!
Day 3 Prospects
While there may be the opportunity for a first-round pick, there is some real talent in the 3rd round of the draft, so we want to take a look at the options for day 3 of the NFL draft and who the Broncos may choose.
#1. Zion Nelson, OT
Nelson will probably be around for the 4th pick option. And, even if the Broncos decided to spend one of their 3rd draft picks on the OT, we would probably still look at other offensive linemen later in the draft with a 4th or 5th round
In spite of missing some time in his senior year, which limited him to 2 games, Nelson had an awesome junior year for scouts to survey in 2021, which tallied him at almost 900 snaps. During this time he only allowed 3 QB hits and 3 sacks!
Between great lateral ability and a long reach, it is pretty tough for most speed rushers to get past him.
#2. Tuyjae Spears, RB
Javonte Williams is the main running back in Denver, so they need a younger and, let’s be honest, cheaper solution to a 3rd down RB2 for the next season that is anyone but Chase Edmonds (no offense).
Spear’s pass-catching ability makes him an ideal candidate for this role, just behind Williams, he was able to finish his senior year off very strong with 1,381, and 15 touchdowns, and he showed off his dual-threat nature by snagging 21 catches for 237 passing yards.
He is the perfect option in the modern NFL, able to run out offensive sets and also impact the game positively on the ground or in the air.
#3. Isaiah McGuire, DE
McGuire is probably one of the top-ranked prospects on our list, and he should not fall to the Broncos fifth-round pick, that being said NFL news and rumors would say that this is someone that the Broncos should consider spending one of their draft picks on.
McGuire was a game wrecker in Missouri this previous season, tallying 35 pressures, 7 QB hits, 21 QB hurries, and only 7 sacks in 12 games!
He has high stamina, and his range is bound to help the Broncos run defense with his sleek ability to get off the line super fast to set the edge to contain any oppositional running backs in motion.
However, we think it might be his 4.7 speed as a 6’4 DE that makes the Broncos take the chance.
#4. Jalin Hyatt, WR
Now, there are plenty of wide receivers in the draft, and Hyatt is one of them. He is not likely to be selected in the first 2 rounds of the draft, but his talent is unreal and if he gets picked by the Broncos in the third, it will be worth it.
In Tennessee, he hauled 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and accumulated 15 touchdowns. He is a vertical threat and has great size, which Payton could maximize for the offense.
Being a speedy receiver will help tremendously as Jeudy and Hyatt would surely play off each other brilliantly. Also, if the Broncos traded for someone such as Hopkins, Cook, or Robinson, it would open up so much more for them!
#5. Rashee Rice, WR
Rice seems to be the perfect fit for Payton and the Broncos. He is a 6’2 wide receiver and has everything that a coach would want, his physical traits are ideal, and his tape is perfect!
His ball skills are legendary, and he has led the country in deep catches with 18 total. He has also recorded 10 touchdowns, and 96 receptions for 1,344 yards. He excels in zone coverage and does so with epic body control, making him very successful out in the field.
The Broncos met with Rice for an interview, maybe this is an indication that Rice may have a future with them.
Overall
There is potential for the Broncos in this year’s draft, with so much talent available to them, if they make the right draft picks they could completely change their game for the 2023-2024 season.
We can only hope!
