In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest two round mock … plenty of QBs already gone by the time Broncos pick at 12… so they look to defense …

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Take a few minutes … this is always a cool thing from Matt Bowen … best fits in the draft …

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Former Broncos head trainer Steve (Greek) Antonopulos is among the 15 and a spectacular honor for the guy who was the first stop, the check in and say hello, for Hall of Fame owner Pat Bowlen each day when Bowlen got to the facility....

Broncos now taking on just over $63 million in dead money against their salary cap for three players alone who are no longer with team — Wilson, Randy Gregory and Justin Simmons —- and up over $67 million in total dead money for ‘24.

As expected Broncos taking the bigger dead money hit this season …

Russell Wilson lands on his feet…Broncos will pick up virtually all of the tab…

When Jeudy trade becomes official--Broncos picks this April:
1st round: 12th overall
3rd round: 76th overall
4th round: 120th overall
5th round: One of Browns' 2 picks
5th round: 144th overall
5th round: 146th overall
6th round: One of Browns' 2 picks
6th round: 206th overall

With compensatory picks across league handed out … the Broncos current draft picks in April are:

1st round: 12th overall
3rd round: 76th overall
4th round: 120th overall
5th round: 144th overall
5th round: 146th overall
6th round: 206th overall

No 2nd rounder, no 7th rounder

And more cap space for Denver, as the team did a simple restructure of the contract of OT Mike McGlinchey, creating another $11M in room.

The Broncos have released TE Chris Manhertz.

Broncos get no help with compensatory picks given how active they were in free agency last year with McGlinchey, Powers, Allen, etc...NFL announced 34 compensatory picks for April draft today -- none for Broncos...

Much like decision to release QB Russell Wilson...Broncos decision to release S Justin means they will now have two spots where actually having an upgrade in play for 2024 season -- or even the same level of play -- is going to be a difficult proposition. As Matt Bowen says:

Broncos' hunt for the solution at quarterback has been the rockiest of rides ... and it might take what they haven't tried yet -- plenty of patience -- to smooth it out...
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Was clear at the scouting combine, the end was near of an ill-fated, star-crossed, all-in trade that now leaves the Broncos back at Sqaure One in QB search -- again ...

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From Russell Wilson ...

The life and legacy of our beloved friend and colleague Chris Mortensen.

Produced by Vinny Coladonato

ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news.

Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72.

Texas RB Jonathon Brooks, who tore right ACL against TCU in November, said Friday at the scouting combine, he just started running in his recovery and expects to be fully cleared to play 'July 1, so for training camp.''
Brooks rushed 1,139 yards and 10 TDs in 10 games in '23.

Washington Michael Penix Jr. said he would “throw for sure” at the combine Saturday but that the 40 yard dash or the jumps would be “a game time decision.”

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. said at combine Friday his meeting with Broncos was “different then the others” he’s had in Indianapolis. Said Broncos asked “tough questions” and “brought up a lot of bad plays … maybe to see how I would react.”