Broncos star quarterback Nix high fiving fans from all around the stadium after clinching the playoffs for the first time in nine years. photo by Isaiah J. Downing
A look into the Broncos journey to get back to the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
With the twelfth overall pick in the 2024 National Football League (NFL) Draft, the Denver Broncos selected quarterback Bo Nix from the University of Oregon. This pick from the Broncos was criticized at first, but critics soon ate their words as Nix led the Broncos to their first playoff appearance since winning the Superbowl in the 2015-2016 season. The Broncos, who were voted to have the second worst roster in 2024 by Pro Football Focus (PFF), stunned critics with a star quarterback, defensive player of the year (DPOY) Cornerback and overall top five defense. The Broncos brought life back to Denver and gave fans a team to truly root for again.
The 2024 draft was one that brought criticism and confusion for many. With notable picks like Nix and wide receivers Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin, the Broncos looked to bolster their offense and get back into playoff contention. General Manager George Paton hit on three of his seven picks with one bust and three more rookies still looking to prove themselves. The draft gave the Broncos a new look on offense and gave the team a new franchise quarterback. The Broncos also found two impactful stars on defense in the former New Orleans Saint defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, and former Miami Dolphins safety Brandon Jones. With the loss of safety Justin Simmons, the addition of Jones filled a much needed hole in the defense and was a key piece in the defensive success from the season. The offseason looked skeptical at first but proved to be successful for the Broncos as their decisions finally allowed them to compete in the playoffs.
The season had its ups and downs. With a rocky start, rookie quarterback Nix went two and two in his first four starts, he showed flashes of greatness with stints of the learning curve that comes with being new to the NFL. Nix eventually led the Broncos to a ten and seven record which proved to be good enough for the seventh and final playoff spot. With playoff football looming in the Mile High City Broncos fans were confident in the young star to lead the team to possibly another Superbowl in the future. Unfortunately, the 2024 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills knocked out the young Broncos in dominating fashion. With a 31-7 loss the Broncos were out of the playoffs, but still happy with the results and successes from the season. The Broncos are looking to upgrade the team and get offensive stars in the 2025 draft and free agency period to hopefully make a deep playoff push in 2025.
In 2025, the Broncos are looking to recruit an offensive weapon for Nix. Particularly targeting a star player at the Tight End or Running Back position. With a deep offensive draft class many have said the Broncos will weaponize the offense and compete both offensively and defensively. So far the Broncos have signed two defensive stars in free agency filling the holes at safety and inside linebacker. The Broncos will be aggressive this off season in hopes to make a deep run in the future playoffs and bring back the magic of Mile High Football.
