Draft night in Denver, Colo. – for the first time in a long time – has the potential to be more fun than frustrating. Or, perhaps at the very least, less stressful.
In a conversation with former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, building a successful NFL team – at least according to the Hall of Famer – starts with one simple step.
“It all starts with the quarterback,” said Bailey, who made a career of making even the NFL’s best gun slingers think twice before throwing his way.
Most importantly, based on Bailey’s philosophy, the Broncos have their guy and can now look ahead rather than repeat the laborious process of hopping on and off the NFL’s quarterback hamster wheel.
The Denver Broncos are in a great spot heading into tonight’s NFL Draft. A big reason for that, according to Ring of Famer Champ Bailey, is that they solved their biggest problem a year ago. “You find your quarterbacks through the Draft.” #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/M7lCqWDhCu
— Mile High Sports (@MileHighSports) April 24, 2025
“I don’t know what happened with Russell Wilson and that situation; it’s almost like he wasn’t even here. You’ve got a veteran that comes in like that, you expect to at least make some noise. It was unfortunate,” Bailey said, not mincing words when it comes to the Broncos most recent frustrations at the game’s most important position.
With Bo Nix now calling Denver home, it’s a problem no more, though.
“I’m a big believer you find your quarterbacks through the Draft,” Bailey added. “You look at every top quarterback, they’ve been drafted by their team. Other than Matthew Stafford, they were homegrown.
“It looks like we have one… He’s a level-headed kid, very mature. It’s what you want your quarterback to look like.”
Bailey didn’t necessarily offer a prediction when it comes to this year’s Draft, although a quick read between the lines might suggest the Broncos are in good shape on defense and will look to add weapons for Bo Nix on offense.
“We’ve had solid defense for a little while. I think that’s one thing we’ve always we’ve been consistent with, pretty decent defensive play. But the quarterback position has been a problem.”
To point, the Broncos addressed their biggest needs on defense this offseason through free agency, adding safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The additions should bolster an already good defense highlighted by a bevy of young talent. Broncos GM George Paton has had plenty of hits through the Draft on defense – players like, Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Riley Moss.
Bailey’s vantage point tilts toward an offensive selection with the Broncos first pick, or perhaps several picks; Paton himself hinted as such.
Regardless, the Broncos are in the driver’s seat heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Why?
“It’s always about the quarterback,” Bailey reiterated.
And from the eyes of a Hall of Fame cornerback, it appears that item has been checked off the shopping list in Denver.