How Sean Payton, George Paton’s weekend went

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin, 11, celebrates his touchdown catch against the Colorado Buffaloes with teammate Marcus Harper II, 55, in the second quarter at Autzen Stadium on September 23, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/Denver Post)

The Post’s sports staff evaluates the 2024 NFL Draft grades for the Denver Broncos.

Parker Gabriel, Bronco beat writer

degree: B-

There’s no way around the fact that this class is graded based on how Bo Nix works. It will end up being either A or F without much gray in between. In the short term, Nix’s No. 12 overall pick is a reach in terms of value but also quite practical given the importance of the position and the fact that the next position in the draft was taken more than 130 picks later. The next six choices went reasonably well. Troy Franklin at No. 4 appears to be good value and the trade wasn’t particularly expensive. Edge Jonah Elliss and Corner Kris Abrams-Draine are classic George Patton picks. Mid-round guys in elite positions who you can see excelling at their positions if they stay healthy. All in all a productive week hinges on the Knicks.

Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat writer

degree: B

For the Broncos, it looked like the fireworks didn’t start until the final day of the draft. Denver moved up to take wide receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round and traded for Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers. Franklin has the potential to be a steal for the Broncos while Franklin-Myers will improve an inconsistent defensive line. Notre Dame running back Audric Estime didn’t have the best 40-yard dash time at the combine, but he’s physical and could be a starter down the road. It’s hard to be mad at the moves Denver made on Saturday as the team improved on both sides of the ball.

Troy Rink, sports columnist

degree: B-

This draft hinges on Bo Nix’s success. So does Hall of Famer Sean Payton. If the Knicks succeed, no one will remember that he was the sixth quarterback selected. But for Nix to work, he needs help. There are two picks that could impact the evaluation of this class: receiver Troy Franklin and running back Audrick Esteem. If Franklin and the Knicks match their chemistry in Oregon, the Broncos’ offense suddenly has a much-needed playmaker. But this offense is built to run the ball. That’s why I consider Estime a sleeper. He should form a one-two punch with Javonte Williams and serve as a hammer on the goal line for a team that struggles to score in the red zone.

Sean Keller, sports columnist

degree: B.

Talk about saving your best for last. The Broncos got their mitts on two potential steals in WR Troy Franklin and RB Audric Estime, landed a rusher (4.4!) in CB Kris Abrams-Draine and flipped the future No. 6 spot to Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers. When you draw at least three potential players from Day 3, you have stopped landing. Nix likely comes in handy, and Elliss lacks the beef to be an all-around threat, but a roster with holes and questions everywhere had fewer of them going into Saturday night.

Matt Schubert, sports editor

degree: B

While it’s easy to say the Broncos went with Bo Nix at No. 12 overall, it’s also easy to admit they didn’t have a lot of options. Denver needed a QB of the future from this draft, and the Knicks could be that. The good news is that Payton and Paton scored a steal on his favorite college target, WR Troy Franklin, with the second pick on Day 3. If Notre Dame RB Audric Estime adds some life to the otherwise mediocre running game, the Broncos will have accomplished it. Lots this week. However, couldn’t they formulate just one intervention? never?

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