The Denver Broncos’ offense needs to inject more big-play potential, and any of LSU’s standout players could provide that spark.
The Broncos have issues on offense due to a lack of explosive plays and the absence of a starting quarterback. However, LSU has three promising prospects entering the draft who could address these concerns. Although two may be off the board before the Broncos’ pick, the third could still be available. It’s essential to be prepared for unexpected opportunities.
Malik Nabers is a versatile offensive weapon capable of playing multiple positions and impacting every part of the field. His speed, quick acceleration, and ability to change pace make him a dangerous target. He navigates his routes smoothly and can accelerate past defenders when necessary.
Nabers exhibits physical toughness and strong hand techniques to combat defenders’ coverage. His body control and secure hands enable him to protect the catch point effectively. He has a low drop rate and consistently catches the ball with precision.
His speed and elusiveness make him a constant threat to score touchdowns. Nabers’ ability to evade tackles (51 missed tackles forced in the last two seasons) makes him an even greater offensive asset. His explosiveness is unmatched in this draft class, and he can contribute immediately in any offensive scheme.
However, Nabers’ route-running technique needs refinement, particularly regarding consistency in executing sharp breaks and avoiding wasted movements. His tendencies to use excessive fakes can disrupt his timing, which could pose a challenge at the NFL level. Addressing these nuances will be critical for his success.
Fit with the Broncos:
Nabers would be an excellent fit for the Broncos, complementing their receiving corps and thriving in Sean Payton’s offense.
Jayden Daniels | LSU
Daniels is one of the few quarterback prospects entering the NFL with five years of starting experience. He demonstrates leadership, confidence, and football intelligence, effectively reading defenses and anticipating the pass rush.
Daniels excels at working through progressions and maintains a smooth rhythm between reads. His resilience shines through as he absorbs hits both in and out of the pocket and uses his speed to keep defenses on their toes.
His running ability and willingness to stay in the pocket give him versatility, while his arm strength allows him to execute all NFL throws. Daniels shows awareness of pocket pressure and can adjust quickly, maintaining a solid base for throws.
Though Daniels possesses the height required for the NFL, his slender frame raises concerns about his durability, especially given his propensity to take hits. His accuracy on long throws can be inconsistent, sometimes lacking sufficient power.
When Daniels exits the pocket, his precision can suffer, and he may lose sight of downfield targets. His tendency to panic and abandon passing plays early can lead to unnecessary hits and questionable decisions.
Fit with the Broncos:
Daniels’ play style bears similarities to Russell Wilson’s, particularly regarding pocket navigation and running ability. However, these similarities may complicate his fit with the Broncos’ needs.
Brian Thomas Jr. | LSU
Thomas boasts an excellent build and speed that attracts NFL interest. He excels in stacking defenders and making plays deep downfield, immediately becoming a dangerous deep threat while developing other skills. Despite appearing like a traditional boundary receiver, Thomas can also excel in the slot.
His 2023 performance was impressive, scoring 17 touchdowns on 68 catches, or 25% of his receptions resulting in scores. Thomas possesses a burst of speed that allows him to catch deep passes even if they are slightly off target. His ball-tracking ability is top-notch, especially on vertical routes.