Drafting and developing talent is a recipe for success in the National Football League and an area the Denver Broncos have fallen short for years.

Good morning, Broncos Country.

Only two weeks remain before the Denver Broncos are on the clock in the 2024 NFL Draft. Who they pick is anyone’s guess as of now, but one thing is for certain: if the franchise wants to get back to being competitive—they need to do a lot better at drafting than they have recently and historically.

It’s not just a recent phenomenon with George Paton, who has managed to only find a handful of contributors in his time as general manager. Truthfully, the Broncos’ issues with drafting date back to the Mike Shanahan and Ted Sundquist era over two decades ago. Alas, those woes have continued through every coaching staff and general manager since then.

This is a list of all the Broncos’ picks historically. Take a look at what has transpired over the past twenty years. Do you notice anything? I certainly do. I see a lot of missed picks and questionable decisions. I also see a lot of coaching turnover and scheme changes that are significantly averse to developing and retaining talent. That’s a key reason why many of these players never worked out.

Nobody will ever doubt John Elway’s presence and importance to the franchise. He was a Hall of Fame player and one of the greatest to every play football. But when it comes to drafting, Elway struggled immensely.

He retained or extended less than 10 players out of over 80 he ever drafted. Very few players from his tenure as GM are still in the National Football League. Moreover, only three of them (Courtland Sutton, Garett Bolles and Riley Dixon) remain a member of the Broncos. And quite honestly, how many of those picks that moved on from the team that drafted them ever made an impact in the NFL? Hardly any.

The Broncos have a roster that is in desperate need of talent. It was in bad shape before George Paton, Sean Payton or anyone currently in house ever stepped foot at team headquarters in Dove Valley. The draft certainly isn’t an exact science and I’m fully aware that a good share of picks flame out by the end of their rookie deals.

But Denver’s hit rate relative to drafting over the years is not optimal and pales in comparison to the best teams in the league—who are more often than not the ones who draft well and keep their homegrown talent for the long haul. This year’s draft would be a prime time for the Broncos to starting buck a two-decade long trend that has been the bane of the franchise.

As always—thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.

Broncos News & Tidbits

Denver Broncos: Team met with safety Jaylen Key at the NFL combine
The Broncos had a meeting with Alabama safety Jaylen Key at the NFL combine in February.

Denver Broncos third year players who need a breakout season - Mile High Sports
The Denver Broncos have several third-year players to watch for, who could be in line for breakout seasons in 2024.

Denver Broncos draft strategy should be best player first, quarterback second - Mile High Sports
This Broncos draft should address a key need in the first round, and then if Denver is lucky, they could land a QB in Round 3.

Should the Denver Broncos Trade Up To Draft Drake Maye? - Lets Talk Broncos
The Denver Broncos are going to add another QB before the offseason is over, and no option is more appealing than Drake Maye.

Denver Broncos Position Review: Wide Receiver - Lets Talk Broncos
By trading Jerry Jeudy, returning Tim Patrick, and signing Josh Reynolds, the Denver Broncos are making big changes at WR. But is that good?

NFL News & Tidbits

NFL expands uniform policy to allow third alternate helmet design
Two years after alternate helmets designs were approved to return to the NFL, the league has further expanded its uniform policy to allow for a third helmet to be added to the teams' uniform closets.

Most underrated NFL draft prospect in 2024 class? One QB among eight potential candidates
Which player is the most underrated in the 2024 NFL Draft? Our analysts discuss eight prospects who deserve more attention. Let's debate!

Packers to face Eagles in Week 1's São Paulo Game
The Green Bay Packers will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil in Week 1, the league announced Wednesday.

AFC Roster Reset: Biggest signings/losses, burning question for each team ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft
Where do teams across the AFC stand ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft? Nick Shook discusses the biggest offseason signings and losses -- as well as one burning question -- for each team in the conference.

Arrest warrant issued for Chiefs' Rashee Rice in connection with multi-car crash
The Dallas Police Department on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice "in regard to a serious bodily injury crash" that took place on March 30 on a Dallas highway.