In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft for NFL.com, Bucky Brooks has the Denver Broncos making an interesting selection late in the first round.
Brooks has the Broncos picking Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at pick No. 30. This is his commentary with the pick: “Adding a playmaking safety will enable the Broncos to continue suffocating opponents with sticky coverage. McNeil-Warren is a rangy defender with the instincts and awareness to eliminate deep throws between the hashes.”
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That would be a curious selection because Brandon Jones (2027) and Talanoa Hufanga (2028) still have time before their contracts expire, and using a first-round pick for a developmental safety would be a surprising move when the team has other, more pressing needs.
Jones was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2024 and Hufanga was named a second-team All-Pro in 2025, so it’s not like Denver needs to prioritize upgrading the safety position. It’s never too early to begin planning ahead, but the Broncos should probably use their first-round pick on a player who can make an instant impact in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Denver Broncos make curious 1st-round pick