![](https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2024/01/JerZhan-Newton.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
In his latest first-round 2024 NFL mock draft for Draft Wire, Jeff Risdon has the Denver Broncos beefing up their defensive line in April by selecting Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton.
Here is Risdon’s commentary on the pick:
Newton showed the consistent ability to impact and disrupt opposing offenses, looking more athletic in his final season at Illinois, too. The needy Broncos would have to consider themselves lucky to land a player of his caliber this late in the first round.
The Broncos could certainly use more help on the defensive line, but quarterback will be the team’s biggest position of need this offseason.
Unfortunately, Risdon’s mock has the five best QBs in this year’s class — Jayden Daniels (No. 1), Caleb Williams (No. 2), Drake Maye (No. 5), Bo Nix (No. 9) and Michael Penix Jr. (No. 11) — going off the board before the Broncos go on the clock in the first round.
To view Risdon’s complete first-round NFL mock draft, visit Draft Wire.