THE Denver Broncos suffered a humiliating beating from two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos defense was abysmal and nothing like the suffocating force it was through the first eight weeks, allowing 41 points and getting pummeled in the air and on the ground.

While many in Broncos country are convinced that Denver needs to use its draft picks to acquire offensive playmakers like Tee Higgins or David Njoku, it would be good for the team to conserve the draft capital it has and build for the future.

The Broncos’ offensive talent is undoubtedly lacking in playmakers. Courtland Sutton is the best option, but even he tends to drop some easy passes. The rest of the receiving corps is terrible outside of Devaughn Vele, who has shown some flashes. The Broncos’ tight ends are serviceable at best, and the running backs are ridiculously inconsistent, making life more difficult for rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

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The Broncos could look to the trade market and Tuesday’s deadline to add a playmaker, but this team isn’t Higgins far from being a playoff contender. This loss to Baltimore was very difficult and a sign that the Broncos are not yet a serious contender, but that was the general feeling at the start of the season.

The 2024 season was always going to be a rebuilding year in which Nix learned and grew while the rest of the Broncos roster was evaluated. Adding another weapon would make sense if the Broncos were only missing a few key pieces, but even adding a top wideout or tight end wouldn’t make this version of the Broncos a serious playoff contender.

So far, the Broncos have beaten the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans SaintsAnd Carolina Pantherswho have a combined record of 13-31, with only one ranked in the top 15 in total offense. That’s not to say the Broncos are fraudulent, but they haven’t defeated any real threats besides the Buccaneers.

The Broncos’ best plan moving forward is to hold on to their draft picks and even add to them by trading away some players set to become free agents after the season. The Broncos could still make the playoffs this season, but they need to be realistic about where they are this year and understand that they don’t need to put all their eggs into winning now, but build for 2025 and beyond.

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