The Denver Broncos have slipped to 13th place in the latest pre-draft NFL power rankings as reported by Touchdown Wire. Ranked sixth in their conference and third in the AFC West, the Broncos still garner respect, particularly for their formidable defense.

Key players like Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Patrick Surtain II have been highlighted for their contributions, especially Surtain, who recently earned the Defensive Player of the Year title. Despite these accolades, doubts linger about the team's potential to become a true powerhouse, as the analyst Jarrett Bailey remains cautious, citing their previous underperformance as a reason for skepticism.

The power rankings reflect the competitive landscape of the AFC West, where the Kansas City Chiefs sit at No. 2, while the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders follow at 12th and 18th, respectively. As the draft approaches, the Broncos will need to address key areas to bolster their roster and increase their chances of returning to playoff contention.