Kage Casey made a difficult decision for this exact opportunity.

On Saturday, in the fourth round of the NFL draft, the Broncos selected Casey with the No. 111 overall pick. The Boise State offensive lineman credited “football intelligence” as the foundation of his playing success. He did everything possible to reach the NFL — except risk his health in a final game.

In December, Casey opted out of the LA Bowl between Boise State and Washington to focus on his NFL future. It was a challenging decision for a beloved team captain.

“He felt like that was the best thing for his future,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said in December on the Bronco Studios Live podcast. “I know that was hard for Kage because he loves his teammates.”

A smart move, in retrospect. Casey avoided injury and a lopsided Boise State defeat. He later gained notoriety at the Senior Bowl when his draft stock rose with a strong performance. The Broncos took notice of the 6-foot-5, 310-pound prospect.

“The pre-draft process with the Broncos was awesome,” Casey said on a Saturday media call. “I met them first off at the Senior Bowl. I had a quick visit with them, and then at the Combine had a formal (interview) with them as well. That went very, very well.”

Casey started 41 consecutive games over the last three seasons at Boise State. He didn’t allow a single sack in 2024 and received first-team All-Mountain West honors. He earned it again last season. Casey appeared mostly at left tackle in college, but he’s confident to play “really wherever they want me” on the Broncos offensive line.

“I think I play quick (and) aggressive,” Casey said. “My football intelligence — my ability to read the field and slow down the game for myself, read pressure, see where a defender is going to be moving postsnap — allows me to play fast. I’m an extremely consistent guy. I’m disciplined, and I’m ready to learn wherever I need to be. … In the pre-draft process, me bumping to guard (and) playing a little bit of center in my pro day was something that helped me out a lot.”

Casey’s intelligence isn’t limited to football, either. He twice landed on the Academic All-Mountain West team at Boise State while studying information tech management and supply chain management. But other professional goals are on hold with his NFL future coming into focus.

Casey will not be expected to start as a rookie. He projects as a swing tackle or reserve guard/center with the chance to grow into a prominent role. The Broncos’ starting offensive tackles, Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, are in their 30s. Starting left guard Ben Powers enters a contract year in 2026.

“The versatility there with Kage was real attractive,” coach Sean Payton said.

Casey said it was “surreal” to be drafted in Denver with the same mascot and a similar color scheme to Boise State. He added: “It’s basically a rock throw away from where I lived in Boise. I’m so excited for this new environment.” Did Casey imagine he might get picked by the Broncos?

Call it an educated guess.

“I was for sure hoping for it,” Casey said. “They’ve been a team I’ve been eyeing. I was really hoping they would pick me. I’m so happy it came true.”