Essentials Inside The Story
- Denver Broncos lack a dominant No. 1 wideout
- The TE position is in flux due to Evan Engram's high cap hit
- Denzel Boston is reportedly a sure target for Nix
A broken ankle was all that separated the Denver Broncos from a potential AFC Championship appearance, a painful end that highlighted one key offseason need: surrounding Bo Nix with more elite talent. Following a heartbreaking playoff exit, the pressure is on Sean Payton to find a true difference-maker, and the latest mock draft suggests he has a specific target in mind.
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NEEDS
Wide Receiver
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA New York Giants at Denver Broncos Oct 19, 2025 Denver, Colorado, USA Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton 14 reacts after a play in the second quarter against the New York Giants at Empower Field at Mile High. Denver Empower Field at Mile High Colorado USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xIsaiahxJ.xDowningx 20251019_ijd_bd3_004
Denver locked up Courtland Sutton last summer, but the Broncos need a more dominant No. 1 wideout from the upcoming draft to pair with him and Troy Franklin.
Running Back
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Denver Broncos Rookie Minicamp May 10, 2025 Englewood, CO, USA Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron 12 during rookie minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. Englewood Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit CO USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRonxChenoyx 20250510_neb_ac4_0047
Almost everyone slated running back Omarion Hampton to the Broncos in Round 1 last year, yet they pulled a mild surprise by selecting Jahdae Barron, who started five games this past season. J.K. Dobbins played well, but he has not finished a complete season since 2020. RJ Harvey was a terrific second-round pick, but he’s a complementary back.
Tight End
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November 7, 2025, Denver, Colorado, USA: Broncos TE ADAM TRAUTMAN, center, and TE EVAN ENGRAM, left, enter the field during the 1st. Half at Empower Field at Mile High Thursday evening. The Broncos beat the Raiders 10-7. Denver USA – ZUMAav4_ 20251107_zaf_av4_022 Copyright: xHectorxAcevedox
Evan Engram is due a lot of money and is not guaranteed to return next season. Current starter Adam Trautman is not much of an offensive threat. If they bring Engram back, linebacker becomes a position of need.
MOCK DRAFT
ROUND 1: Denzel Boston/WR/Washington
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December 13, 2025, Inglewood, California, USA: 12 Denzel Boston, WR of the Washington Huskies scores a touchdown during the Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk against Boise State Broncos on Saturday December 13, 2025 at SoFI Stadium in Inglewood, California. ARIANA RUIZ/PI Inglewood USA – ZUMAp124 20251213_zaa_p124_011 Copyright: xArianaxRuizx
While Boston may not project as a true No. 1 receiver, he offers the best value who will be available when Denver selects with the 30th pick. He’s a big-bodied pass catcher with reliable hands who will be a sure target for Nix.
ROUND 2: Eli Stowers/TE/Vanderbilt
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NCAA, College League, USA Football: Auburn at Vanderbilt Nov 8, 2025 Nashville, Tennessee, USA Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Eli Stowers 9 against the Auburn Tigers during pre-game warmups at FirstBank Stadium. Nashville FirstBank Stadium Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevexRobertsx 20251108_kdn_ra1_028
Stowers is not the Y-tight end I would prefer for Denver, yet with Engram in flux, he’s a terrific pass catcher at the position and the type of player Sean Payton likes on the roster.
ROUND 3: Kaleb Elarms-Orr/LB/TCU
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November 29, 2025: TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr celebrates after making a sack during the fourth quarter of a college football game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. Austin McAfee/CSM Fort Worth United States – ZUMAc04_ 20251129_zma_c04_288 Copyright: xAustinxMcafeex
The Broncos need a three-down, off-ball linebacker who has the athleticism to cover running backs and tight ends downfield. No linebacker did that at the Senior Bowl better than Elarms-Orr, who was also a terrific run defender in college.
ROUND 4: Jonah Coleman/RB/Washington
The Broncos own the Saints’ selection at the top of Round 4, the 108th pick, and Coleman is the 109th-ranked player on my board. He’s a bigger back with terrific quickness and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
Check out my need reports and mock drafts for every team around the NFL here:
AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
AFC South: Jaguars | Colts | Texans | Titans
AFC North: Steelers | Ravens | Bengals | Browns
AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
NFC East: Eagles | Cowboys | Commanders | Giants
NFC South: Panthers | Falcons | Buccaneers | Saints