Mile High Report
Last week for Future Broncos, I continued my annual “Mocktober” tradition and dished out my first mock draft of the year for Denver. While this series is predominantly for discussing all things draft related, I thought using this weekend’s installment to talk about potential additions or moves the Broncos could make before the NFL’s trade deadline on Tuesday, November 4th would be apt.
With a 6-2 record, the Denver Broncos have a one game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. They are clearly in the playoff hunt and could be looking to make a move to separate themselves from the competition. It appears the pulse of Broncos Country shows they would like Denver to be buyers at the deadline. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the rumors and see what seems realistic or reasonable to transpire over the next few days.
What should we make of the rumors at wide receiver?
A handful of rumors have emerged from various sources indicating that the Broncos could be a team interested in making a splash at wide receiver. Count me in as one of those who is skeptical there. Let’s discuss a few reasons why.
First and foremost, Head Coach Sean Payton has utilized a draft selection every year he has been with the team. In 2022, they moved up for Marvin Mims Jr. In 2023, they also moved up into the early fourth round to select Troy Franklin. This past draft, they took Pat Bryant in the third round after a trade down earlier. That’s a lot of draft capital investment.
It’s clear Payton is doing his best to incorporate all of them into the team’s passing attack. Franklin has received a significant uptick in target share and production, while Mims and Bryant are all getting ample run-in various personnel groupings. On top of that, the team continues to utilize Evan Engram flexed out as a big slot in their offense. They had a vision for these players when they were drafted and certainly one for Engram once they signed him.
It’s safe to say it’s still a work in progress. Player development and chemistry take time. I’m optimistic the passing offense will continue to get better in the second half of the season. Quite frankly, are any of the names floated demonstrable upgrades over who they currently have in-house?
Rashid Shaheed? I don’t see Denver giving up draft capital for a player with eight games left on his contract. Would he be worth adding into the fold at the expense of Mims or Franklin developing? I’m not so sure about that. That doesn’t seem like a needle mover.
I’d love for them to add Jakobi Meyers to the squad. I think that would open up some interesting possibilities on offense. Alas, there is no way the Las Vegas Raiders would trade him to a division rival. Jaylen Waddle would be nice. There’s no doubt about that. He’s...
