Bronco Nation News is taking a look at 20 key questions and storylines facing the Boise State football team entering the 2023 season. First up in our series is question No. 20: Will the Broncos have a player drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Broncos have had at least one player selected in the NFL Draft in 14 straight years dating back 2009. That streak could be in jeopardy next season.
Boise State, which has had at least two players picked in three of the past four years, saw Scott Matlock and JL Skinner both go in the sixth round last weekend. The candidates to be drafted next season are less than obvious.
Cade Beresford at left tackle could be an option, but it’s hard to feel confident about that when John Ojukwu couldn’t even get drafted last weekend and is likely a better player. Fellow offensive linemen Garrett Curran and Ben Dooley might have outside shots as well.
A wide receiver like Stefan Cobbs or Billy Bowens could have a shot with a big season, but neither are on draft radars entering the season.
Kicker Jonah Dalmas flirted with a jump to the NFL two years ago after a record-breaking year, but it’s extremely hard for a kicker to get drafted.
Running back George Holani might be the best candidate if he can put together a second-straight 1,000-yard season, but that might be tough given the expected increased workload for Ashton Jeanty.
By the way, Jeanty might be Boise State’s best NFL Draft prospect but he’s not eligible for the 2024 draft since he won’t be three years removed from high school.
Taylen Green is eligible as a redshirt sophomore, and could consider making a jump with a big season. That possibility would appear unlikely at this point though.
Linebacker DJ Schramm might have an outside shot with another strong year, but he’s likely got plenty of work to do as a sixth-year senior.
Demitri Washington was once seen by some as the next Curtis Weaver but has been hampered by injuries. Could he elevate himself into contention with a healthy, productive, double-digit sack year?
The lack of obvious NFL talent on defense is noticeable – which is why are some concerned about that side of the ball heading into the season.
We’ve listed 10 players with NFL potential, but none are probably currently on mock drafts heading into the season. Will the streak extend to 15 years? History would say yes. The current candidates makes it seem less certain.
B.J. Rains and John Mallory debated the topic during Monday’s Bronco Nation News LIVE. Watch the full episode below, and make sure to subscribe to the BNN YouTube channel:
