The Denver Broncos had a very small 2023 NFL Draft class after all the dust had settled from their blockbuster trades to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson as well as head coach Sean Payton. Those two trades, in particular, wiped multiple 2023 first-round picks off the board for the Broncos as well as their original second-round draft choice in 2023.
Despite not having any picks until the third round, the Broncos managed to trade up into the second round to land wide receiver prospect Marvin Mims, a playmaker out of Oklahoma who actually could be a fantastic pickup for their ailing offense. But did the Broncos make any mistakes throughout the 2023 NFL Draft? Time will tell, of course, but even just early on, it’s hard to argue there might have been better value on the board at positions the Broncos needed help when they went in other directions.
What specific players might the Broncos regret passing on in the 2023 NFL Draft? Let’s look at three.
3 players the Denver Broncos might wish they drafted in 2023
1. Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State (Packers)
The Broncos ended up with three selections between picks 63-83, and they used their selections on the following players:
- WR Marvin Mims
- LB Drew Sanders
- CB Riley Moss
When the Denver Broncos pulled the trigger on Drew Sanders at pick no. 67 overall, I think a lot of the fan base was shocked by it. The Broncos re-signed Alex Singleton in free agency to a three-year deal after he’d performed exceptionally well for them in 2022. Josey Jewell and Jonas Griffith — both former starters as well — also return this coming season.
Was Drew Sanders more of a pick for 2024? Perhaps. Broncos fans undoubtedly want to win now, so adding players who can help now might have been preferable. In the third round, the Broncos passed on a guy who was previously considered by some as a potential first-round player at tight end, South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft.
Kraft has outstanding size, athletic ability, pass-catching abilities, and he can play in-line or split out. The Broncos do have Greg Dulcich, but the team had put an emphasis on bringing in tight ends before the draft, and this was a very deep draft at the position. Kraft could have formed a great long-term duo with Dulcich in Denver at a seemingly reduced cost.
