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Denver Broncos 2026 NFL Draft Preview

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Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Denver Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron is selected as the No. 20 pick by the Denver Broncos during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Despite the continuous grumblings against the Denver Broncos’ offense, a trip to the AFC championship game silenced the haters. However, fans will forever speculate about the potential outcomes if Bo Nix had not sustained a broken ankle against the Buffalo Bills.

With a new offensive coordinator in Davis Webb, the future is bright for the 2026 Broncos. Sean Payton has relieved playcalling duties to Webb, giving Broncos fans confidence in the franchise’s future. 

Broncos Draft Picks:

With free agency looming, the Broncos look to the NFL draft to reinforce positions and draft potential new stars. However, after the Jaylen Waddle trade, the Broncos only have three picks in the first four rounds:

  • Round 2: Pick 62
  • Round 4: Pick 108
  • Round 4: Pick 111
  • Round 5: Pick 170
  • Round 7: Pick 246
  • Round 7: Pick 256
  • Round 7: Pick 257

Broncos Positions of Need:

Sean Payton described the linebacker and running back positions as “musts” that the Broncos are aggressively pursuing. However, this was before the re-signing of both Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin. Knowing this, the Broncos clearly need depth on both sides and a solid inside linebacker, meaning they should pursue:

  • S
  • LB
  • OT

Key Draft Targets for Broncos:    

Jake Golday – LB – Cincinnati

Jake Golday may be the permanent replacement of Dre Greenlaw. He’s big and has explosive attacks on the line of scrimmage with grit; a heavy-handed linebacker that eliminates the run with ease. Golday has shined at the college level and enters the draft as a top 60 prospect. 

While Golday still needs some development, he would shine early in special teams. However, his future potential is unlimited with the right coaching staff. 

Trey Zuhn – OT – Texas A&M

Despite the terrific offensive line the Broncos boast, competition is never a bad thing. With age always on the horizon, the Broncos met with Trey Zuhn, looking to add depth to their offensive line. 

A first-team All-SEC honor player in 2025, Zuhn would be a great backup and future starter. Although he is likely to transition to a guard or center in the NFL, this would fit nicely as a Day 3 selection for the Broncos. 

Bud Clark – S – TCU

After the departure of P.J. Locke in free agency, a safety addition is a must for Denver. A sixth-year senior with plenty of length, Bud Clark is a wide receiver playing defense. 

Fifteen interceptions in four seasons is the type of turnover-hungry player Denver loves to employ. Although his stock is rising, the Broncos would be blessed to snag Clark in the fourth round.  

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Written by
Tobias Swiney

Tobias is currently a junior at Liberty University studying a B.S. in Creative Writing: Journalism. From a young age he fell in love with football, and since then he has dedicated his time and efforts to turn his dream of analyzing and commentating professional football into reality. When he isn't writing articles about the Denver Broncos, you can catch him hosting his own podcast with his brother Seth.

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