{"id":857680,"date":"2026-04-06T22:42:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/857680\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:42:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:42:22","slug":"oddsmaker-identify-three-positions-as-favorites-for-broncos-to-draft-first-denver-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/857680\/","title":{"rendered":"Oddsmaker identify three positions as favorites for Broncos to draft first \u2013 Denver Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Denver Broncos, for the most part, are running it back during the 2026 NFL season.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s hard to blame head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton for retaining a massive percentage of the roster after the Broncos went 14-3 and made the AFC Championship Game.<\/p>\n

Aside from the blockbuster trade to acquire WR Jaylen Waddle<\/a> from the Miami Dolphins, it\u2019s been a quiet month.<\/p>\n

But in order to land Waddle, Denver had to part with its first-round draft choice (and more<\/a>). That means, as of now, the Broncos won\u2019t pick until No. 62 overall in Round 2 later this month.<\/p>\n

So what position will Payton and Paton target?<\/p>\n

The oddsmakers have released \u201cposition of first player drafted\u201d for all NFL teams<\/a> and the ones for the Broncos are interesting.<\/p>\n

There are two favorites, with both linebacker at +250 as well as defensive line \/ edge at +250. Offensive lineman is +400, while tight end is +425. After that it\u2019s safety (+750), running back (+750) and cornerback (+1200).<\/p>\n

Of course it\u2019s a little strange that defensive line \/ edge are grouped as one position, but after the departure of John Franklin-Myer<\/a>s to the Tennessee Titans, D-line might make sense.<\/p>\n

And while the Broncos retained Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad<\/a> last month, they did move on from Dre Greenlaw<\/a>. Inside linebacker definitely seems like a strong possibility as well.<\/p>\n

The O-line is getting older and tight end could also be viable, especially with Evan Engram likely playing his last season in Denver.<\/p>\n

None of this confirms exactly what Payton and Paton are thinking, but the oddsmakers usually are spot on with these kind of things. It is at least a small hint of what the Broncos might do in about 2.5 weeks.<\/p>\n

To see the full odds, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Follow @PetersenWill<\/a><\/p>\n

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