It’s been eight long years since the Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50, the final moment when the Broncos were in the NFL’s higher echelon. The departure of Peyton Manning immediately afterwards saw the Broncos collapse into eight seasons of misery, not even making the playoffs once in that span.

Two years ago, the acquisition of veteran Seahawks QB Russell Wilson had many believing that the worst was over in Broncos Country; but when Wilson was released by the team to begin the off-season, no one was surprised. Despite the hype, Wilson’s tenure in Denver wasn’t much different from the years before him, and now the future is once again looking uncertain for the Broncos.

Now, the Broncos are entering brand new territory and entering a full rebuild, with names like Jerry Jeudy, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Justin Simmons joining Wilson to find greener pastures outside of Colorado. The Broncos are going all in to find the success that they enjoyed for so many decades—but will it work?

Any good rebuild can only be done with a lot of draft capital, something that the Broncos lack. With just two picks across the first three rounds this year, the Broncos may need to do some serious trading before the draft if they want to secure young talent. Although they do better in later rounds, it goes without saying that the best talent will already be off the board by then.

The biggest question mark, as always, is on the quarterback position. If the season were to begin today, longtime backup Jarrett Stidham would be the team’s QB1, but it’s more likely that the Broncos would turn to the draft for their next starter. Oregon’s Bo Nix is the leading man for the Broncos, who currently hold the 12th overall pick in the draft. Failing, they may turn to names like J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix.

Beyond QB, the Broncos still need to fill some holes on both the offensive and defensive lines. Once again the draft may provide an answer, with names like Jared Verse and Troy Fautanu being projected to head to Denver. There’s also the question of cornerback; as good as Patrick Surtain is, he needs someone to help him out in the backfield, especially now that Justin Simmons is gone. Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell are some major candidates for the Broncos in that area.

It’s very unlikely that all or even most of these needs will be met this offseason, which is the most important thing to remember about rebuilding: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Although another season of misery is the last thing most Broncos fans want, the best rebuilds are never done in just a year. If you want proof, just look at the Los Angeles Rams, whose empire fell nearly as quickly as it rose. 

If the Broncos want the continued success they enjoyed for so many decades, they need to be in for the long haul. Maybe for that reason it’s a good thing that their draft capital is so barren this year; they can fill some key positions while leaving the door open for the bigger improvements next year and beyond (something that getting a better draft position certainly helps).

In that regard, 2024 won’t be the Broncos’ triumphant return to the top of the league that everyone in Denver wants. But if they play their cards right, that day will come sooner rather than later.