Peyton Manning Breaks Silence With Broncos Draft Forecast

The ex-Broncos QB is curious to see what the Broncos do with the 12th overall draft pick.

Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Former Denver Bronco quarterback Peyton Manning before the game / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos will be on the clock in one week to select an impact player to build the roster. Although there has been much speculation regarding the draft strategy for the team in the first round, no one quite knows what direction they will go.

Will their first selection be solely based on need? Some key roster needs that stick out are QB, EDGE, TE, and DL. Will their first selection be solely the best player available? Some players that will more than likely be available include EDGE Jared Verse, EDGE Laiatu Latu, QB Bo Nix, QB Michael Penix Jr., CB Terrion Arnold, and CB Quinyon Mitchell. Will they even remain at No. 12?

Many are eager to find out the answers to these questions. Ex-Broncos QB and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning is just as anxious as the fans.

Mike Klis of 9News caught up with Manning at the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Wednesday. Here is what he had to say regarding the Broncos first-round selection:

“Obviously next Thursday’s important. It’s always important, but I think it’s critical for the Broncos, especially to see where we’re going. I think it will say a lot about how our team is going to start out.”

He also adds his thoughts on the leadership and the outlook of the team:

“I’m a big believer in Sean [Payton] and what he can do. I know he and George [Paton] have a good plan going into Thursday. I don’t have any inside knowledge. But I’m pulling hard for the team. Obviously, there’s been some change, some turnover, and that can be exciting. It’s an opportunity for some other guys to have a chance to step up, and we’ll see what happens next Thursday.”

Although the former quarterback did not reveal who his preference is for the Broncos, he believes that each prospect has unique characteristics that would add value to the quarterback position in Denver, if available. 

Who will be the new signal caller for the Broncos in 2024? We will see how it all shakes out on April 25.

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