The Denver Broncos publicly spent much of the pre-draft process talking about their imminent need for a “joker”.
However, the selections actually made by Denver hardly reflected that desire.
Jahdae Barron was a value pick at #20, with the team also needing a bona fide starting outside corner opposite Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II.
Advertisement
Yet, Denver waited until the 60th overall pick to make their next draft pick, UCF running back, RJ Harvey, moving down twice in the process.
But Harvey is not really a joker in any sense of the word, given his limited production in the passing game to date, although he could have upside as a pass-catching back in the future.
George Paton, Denver BroncosRon Chenoy-Imagn Images
And after completely skipping the tight end position during the draft, it could well be that head coach, Sean Payton, would like nothing more than to pair a true joker with current tight end #1, Evan Engram, who was signed last month.
Thus, Las Vegas Raiders tight end, Michael Mayer, who has long been rumored to be on the trade block after the success of last year’s rookie tight end sensation, Brock Bowers, who broke the rookie receptions record for pass-catchers, could make a lot of sense for the Broncos.
Advertisement
Mayer needs a fresh start where he can be a full-time starter, whilst the Raiders still. have multiple holes in their roster that need addressing over the next couple of years.
Broncos get: Michael Mayer
Raiders get: 2026 5th Round Pick, 2026 7th Round Pick
A fifth and a seventh would be reasonable re-compensation for a player who has just 460 receiving yards in two seasons. And on the other end, Mayer is still a player with undeniable talent, who many thought would be a first round pick in 2023. An offensive guru like Sean Payton would no double be able to make the most out of him, and could turn him into a dangerous weapon for Bo Nix.
Related: Ex 6th Round ‘Joker’ Candidate Joins Broncos Rookie Minicamp Post Draft