We’re just under a month from the 2024 NFL Draft, and I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement. I’ve been meticulously refining my scouting reports, eagerly preparing to delve into every detail of this year’s prospects during the draft coverage on 104.3 The Fan!
There’s something special about this time of year for me; the culmination of all the hard work is immensely satisfying. The anticipation surrounding the Denver Broncos’ draft moves adds an extra layer of intrigue.
And when I’m cruising around in my trusty old Jeep Wrangler TJ, with the wind in my hair and the sun shining down, I can’t help but let my mind wander to life and sports. So, buckle up and join me for a journey through my musings.
April is the Month of Lies
As April begins, we find ourselves fully immersed in what some call the season of deception. It’s an annual occurrence, a familiar cycle of hearing surprising rumors about player interests or team strategies that seemingly come out of nowhere – because they often do. It’s important not to be swayed by these smoke screens, and trust me, they’re bound to happen.
Agents are notorious for spinning tales to benefit their clients. I’ve experienced instances where agents express gratitude for positive coverage of their players (even if it’s simply because I genuinely admire the player). Conversely, they’ve attempted to pressure me into boosting their player’s profile, even when their performance doesn’t merit it. And naturally, there have been times when agents have taken offense when I’ve been critical of their player’s abilities. Agents serve as a significant source of information in the NFL, and during this time of year, their efforts to influence the narrative are dialed up to the max.
Teams also play their part in the game of misinformation. They strategically feed false information to certain reporters who they know will disseminate it on social media platforms. With many journalists chasing after Twitter fame, they eagerly pass along tidbits that may not be entirely true but serve the interests of a particular team. There’s a palpable sense of intrigue and secrecy during this period. Teams are maneuvering to gain advantage, attempting to convince rivals that they have no interest in the players they covet the most.
As the calendar turns to April, remember we'll hear a bunch of BS when it comes to the #NFLDraft – it's the month of lies as teams/agents try to control the information flow.
Get your popcorn ready. #Broncos @DenverSportsCom pic.twitter.com/dhkHpHFlPC
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) April 1, 2024
Get ready to grab your popcorn, Broncos fans, because you’re in for a rollercoaster ride of rumors and speculation about the team’s first-round draft pick. Whether it’s talk of moving up, moving down, or staying put, the information is bound to be all over the map. Personally, I’m sticking with what I heard back in January. I firmly believe that the Broncos will be proactive in their efforts to trade up in the draft, aiming to secure a potential franchise quarterback. So, stay tuned for more updates.
Denver Wants a Corner
The Broncos are on the lookout for reinforcements in their secondary. While they’re reluctant to part ways with their All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain to acquire a quarterback, they won’t rule out the possibility if the right opportunity arises. However, my belief is that they’ll ultimately hold onto Surtain, as they rightfully should. Nevertheless, they recognize the necessity of adding depth behind him to foster healthy competition within the defensive backfield.
I’ve been keeping tabs on the Broncos’ interactions with cornerbacks, meticulously documenting each meeting or workout on Twitter. This interest dates back to events like the Shrine Bowl, where the Broncos began showing interest in late-round cornerback prospects. Throughout this pre-draft period, the Broncos have consistently emerged as one of the teams scouting for Day 3 talent in the secondary.
The urgency to address the secondary stems from past draft and free agency misses. K’Waun Williams, for instance, was a disappointment for the Broncos. His acquisition in the 2022 offseason seemed promising, with potential to excel as one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks if he stayed healthy. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his tenure with the Broncos, limiting him to just eight starts. Now, as a free agent following a missed 2023 season, Williams remains unsigned, and the Broncos have shown no interest. However, these misses, including Williams and others, underscore the persistent need for cornerback talent on the roster.
As the draft progresses into Saturday, I anticipate the Broncos selecting at least one player in the secondary. Additionally, they might opt to add a safety in the later rounds to reinforce the back end of their defense. Following the draft, you can expect the Broncos to be active on the phones, looking to secure at least two more cornerbacks as priority free agents. This strategy aims to bolster their depth and competition in the secondary post-draft.
Second-Largets Need is TE
While it’s no secret that the Broncos’ primary need in the NFL Draft is a quarterback, what many may overlook is their secondary priority, which could likely be a playmaking tight end to elevate their offense.
Greg Dulcich was initially earmarked for that role, with his impressive physical attributes and potential. He’s garnered attention from fans, partly due to his distinctive appearance and promising skill set. Remember when Sean Payton mentioned him as a potential “joker” in his offense? The excitement among fans was palpable, but unfortunately, Dulcich has been plagued by injuries, raising concerns about his reliability. Despite his talent, relying solely on Dulcich would be risky for the Broncos. Hence, it’s prudent for them to seek a playmaking tight end in the draft.
While some fans speculate that the Broncos might target Georgia TE Brock Bowers if they retain their 12th overall pick, I believe they’re more likely to trade up for a quarterback. Nevertheless, they can still find a standout tight end in the mid-rounds. The history of the game demonstrates that some of the best tight ends, like George Kittle and Travis Kelce, emerged from the middle rounds. My personal favorite mid-round prospect is Jared Wiley from TCU. I had the opportunity to observe him at the Senior Bowl, where his fluidity and speed in attacking defenses left a lasting impression, at times even resembling that of a wide receiver.
I don't think it happens but @MaseDenver and I have discussed the ways Dulcich could not make the final roster. #Broncos @DenverSportsCom https://t.co/ARamCX6a9q
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) March 30, 2024
I share your enthusiasm, and I’ll be right there with you doing a dance of joy if the Broncos schedule a private workout with Jared Wiley. And if they ultimately select him in the draft, I’ll be bursting with excitement about his potential impact in Payton’s offense. This draft indeed offers several playmakers who could be available beyond the first two rounds, presenting a prime opportunity for the Broncos to make their move and secure a valuable addition to their roster.
Comic Book Musical?
I share your admiration for Batman, he’s undoubtedly a legendary superhero, and his iconic nemesis, The Joker, adds an incredible depth to the comic book world.
The first Joker movie, directed by Todd Phillips in 2019, was truly outstanding. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the “Clown Prince of Crime” was nothing short of phenomenal, turning the film into a gripping psychological thriller that ranks among the best in the comic book movie genre. Its massive success, grossing over $1 billion at the box office, naturally sparked discussions about a sequel.
With the anticipation building, we’re just a week away from the release of the trailer for “Joker 2,” and I’m buzzing with excitement. The news that Lady Gaga will be taking on the role of Harley Quinn and that the movie will have a musical element, featuring around 15 recognizable numbers, is certainly unexpected and intriguing. While some may react with skepticism or even frustration at this departure from the norm, as a fellow comic book enthusiast, I prefer to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach. After all, the outcome could either disappoint or pleasantly surprise us. I’m eagerly awaiting the early trailer to get a glimpse of what’s in store.
JOKER 2 TRAILER IN 10 DAYS pic.twitter.com/EveoXZr8MV
— pop culture gal (@allurequinn) March 29, 2024
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