Dynasty fantasy football is a year-round affair. A sharp manager will be thinking about all aspects of the dynasty season. Those managers keen enough to look ahead will be the ones who can grab themselves an edge over the competition. Industry professionals and content creators will spend most of the dynasty off-season discussing incoming rookies and the related topic, the NFL draft.
We easily fall in love with the next workhorse running back or prototypical alpha wide receiver. But a manager in tune with the entire draft class will find themselves ahead of the game. Whether it is the next road-paving interior offensive lineman or genetic freak edge rusher, we can find ourselves at quite the advantage come April by building an entire picture of how the 2023 class will play out. Those who prepare ahead will not be often surprised at the outcomes.
Credit for the mock draft simulation goes to the NFL Mock Draft Database. Team needs are also generated from this site. Compensatory picks have not been assigned or included in this exercise.
2023 Season Recap
The Denver Broncos were expected to finally break through in the AFC West after firing Nathaniel Hackett and replacing him with Sean Payton. The former New Orleans Saints coach was thought to be able to work his magic with Russell Wilson. What would unfold is one of the more chaotic seasons that Broncos fans have experienced.
Wilson would have his ups and downs, but the defense stayed strong throughout, and the relationship between Payton and Wilson soured. Payton would make several comments in the media and make coaching decisions to keep things on rocky water. The highly-paid quarterback is expected to be somewhere else before the new season starts; Payton is going nowhere.
Where this leaves the franchise in major limbo. Do they address the quarterback position? Do they go the best player available? This roster has a lot of needs; let’s try to take care of them.
Mock Draft
1.12 Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Wilson will be playing elsewhere in 2024, and they need an answer at quarterback. Nix fits what Payton wants in a quarterback, where he is extremely accurate while also not committing many turnovers. The skill players the Broncos have in place could allow them to make an immediate impact with this type of move.
3.76 DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke
Posted this video in late November of #Duke DT DeWayne Carter. He has unbelievable power as a power rusher and was a force in Mobile, especially on Day 1 of practice.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) February 16, 2024
pic.twitter.com/xCFcWt36fk https://t.co/bbugC732Sc
Last offseason, the Broncos added Zach Allen for their defensive line, and he has been good so far. Carter could be an interior or exterior pass rusher to get in the backfield to create chaos. He, alongside Allen, could help each other face fewer double teams, and in turn, they each get to put up some impressive numbers.
4.114 Sedrick Van Pran, iOL, Georgia
The Georgia offensive line was one of the more reliable ones in the country last season. Van Pran was the anchor in the middle of it all and helped make the offense what it was. He could serve as the Bronco starting center when he steps on the field for training camp.
4.122 Beaux Limmer, iOL, Arkansas
Limmer could be a plug-and-play guard for the Broncos. The interior of the offensive line has needed attention for a while, and with these two picks, it’s hopefully fixed. These two should create solid running lanes for a returning Javonte Williams.
5.146 Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
The Broncos have a fun secondary led by Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons. Chau Smith-Wade isn’t someone they would use in man coverage packages but could be excellent in zone. He recovers well, has great speed, and has the ball instincts to be a very profitable pick on day three.
7.230 Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
Rosengarten had a rough national championship game performance, but his entire 2023 season was memorable. The All-American tackle has the traits you want in a starting tackle, but size and length make him available late in most mocks. He is worth the dart throw and is a more than reliable fill-in if injury occurs to their starters.
7.237 Jared Wiley, TE, TCU
Wiley is a flex tight end who can fit in any offense that utilizes athletic players at the position. They have Greg Dulcich, but Wiley could still find some use despite that. He is a red zone mismatch and isn’t a liability blocking, so what is the harm in a late dart throw?
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