After their blockbuster trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Denver Broncos are out a few premium selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. With only one pick slated in the Top 100, it’s safe to say that Denver’s draft festivities will be a bit ho-hum. But this isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Broncos. In fact, operating without a first round pick has been a common occurrence for Denver the past six drafts.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be the third draft that General Manager George Paton will be operating without a first round pick. The other two were the 2022 and 2023 drafts. At #64 in ‘22, the Broncos were able to snag Nik Bonitto who has become one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. In ‘23, they drafted Marvin Mims at #63 who has become an All-Pro and Pro-Bowl returner and flashed big play ability when targeted as a receiver.
This year, their earliest selection is scheduled to be #62 overall. Historically, there haven’t been a lot of great players taken at that pick. It seems to be a spot where teams have valued drafting defensive backs. The consensus amongst draft analysts and media personalities suggests that the NFL as a whole is relatively down on this year’s draft class.
With Waddle in the fold, the Broncos have significantly upgraded their wide receiver corps. I have no issue with the Broncos’ brass taking a swing to get the talented playmaker. In my opinion, he offers more immediate value and impact potential than any potential player that could have been on board at #30 overall.
By retaining most all of their inhouse free agents, Denver doesn’t have too many large holes to fill. They are returning over 90-percent of starting snaps from 2025—one of the highest rates in the NFL. While many fans hoped for big outside additions in free agency, their moves to date suggest the Broncos’ brass really likes their roster.
I feel that this year’s draft has a lot of depth in positions the Broncos still need help at. Particularly at inside linebacker, safety, and on the offensive and defensive lines. The only position I think there is a bit of scarcity is running back. However, there should be several intriguing options for them on Day 2 and Day 3 that can help bolster the group they currently have.
How Paton and Co. opt to maneuver and strategize their draft plans will be something to watch. In his time leading the draft day charge, he has been very active wheeling and dealing. Trading up or trading down, Paton has done it all. Given the status of the roster and their Super Bowl window, it wouldn’t be a curveball to see them be aggressive going after players they think can make a difference year one.
That’s a tough ask. Though if there is any front office in the league in recent memory who has shown an ability to find contributors in the second round—the Broncos would be it. Last year, they were able to get RJ Harvey who almost had 1,000 all-purpose yards and notched 12 touchdowns as a rookie. That’s pretty darn good.
For those who are a bit worried about Denver’s ability to address their remaining needs—don’t fret just yet. Have some confidence and optimism that they will be able to identify some quality players who can help them out this upcoming season and become integral parts of the team moving forward.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Who are some players in this draft you would like Denver to go after with the picks they have? Let me know in the comments section.
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