The Denver Broncos enter the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round selection after trading away their original pick to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in March. Despite this setback, Denver still holds seven total picks across rounds two through seven, setting the stage for a strategic draft focused on bolstering depth and addressing key positional needs. With the draft kicking off in Pittsburgh on April 23, 2026, the Broncos’ front office is weighing multiple scenarios as mock draft projections begin to crystallize.
According to multiple mock drafts released in the days leading up to the event, the Broncos are widely expected to target offensive and defensive playmakers in the early portions of Day 2. In the second round, where Denver holds the 62nd overall pick, several analysts project the selection of a running back to complement the existing backfield. Jadarian Price, a powerful rusher from Tennessee, appears consistently across projections from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter and ESPN’s Jordan Reid, who note that Price could slot in alongside J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey as a physical, downhill option capable of contributing in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
However, not all projections align on the Broncos’ second-round move. Dane Brugler of The Athletic has Denver selecting linebacker CJ Allen from Georgia at No. 62, even as Nick Kosmider, also of The Athletic, suggests the team could opt for Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Instead. Kosmider highlights Hill Jr.’s youth and developmental upside, noting that at 21 years old, he would benefit from learning under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph behind established veterans before potentially stepping into a starting role.
Beyond the second round, the Broncos’ draft strategy appears to diversify across multiple positions. In the fourth round, where Denver holds two selections (Nos. 108 and 111), projections vary significantly. Chad Reuter of NFL.com sees the Broncos taking defensive tackle Chris McClellan from Missouri at No. 108, while Reid of ESPN projects linebacker Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State at that spot. Brugler, meanwhile, has Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson going to Denver at No. 108 and Kosmider projects Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber — who played both tackle spots for the Gators and could be evaluated at guard — as the pick at No. 111. Reuter also has Utah edge rusher Logan Fano tabbed for Denver at No. 111 in his mock.
Some analysts have proposed more aggressive strategies involving trade-ups to secure higher-value targets. Christopher Hart of Mile High Report, in his final mock draft published on April 23, 2026, outlined a scenario in which the Broncos trade their No. 62 pick, along with No. 170 and a 2027 third-round selection, to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the No. 48 overall pick. Under this scenario, Hart projects Denver selecting Anthony Hill Jr. With the acquired selection, emphasizing the team’s need to pursue a top-tier inside linebacker who can develop into a long-term starter.
The Broncos’ current draft capital reflects their recent roster moves. Following the Waddle trade, Denver no longer possesses a first-round pick but retains seven selections in the 2026 draft: one in the second round (No. 62), two in the third (Nos. 95 and 166), two in the fourth (Nos. 108 and 111), one in the fifth (No. 145), and one in the sixth (No. 182). This allocation provides flexibility for both selecting immediate contributors and stashing developmental prospects for future seasons.
Positional needs entering the draft include reinforcement at linebacker, where the team seeks to build depth behind established starters, and offensive line, particularly interior depth and tackle versatility. The running back position, while featuring established names like Dobbins and Harvey, could benefit from adding a power-back archetype capable of handling goal-line and short-yardage workloads. On the defensive line, Denver continues to seek interior push and edge versatility to complement its existing front seven.
As the draft approaches, the Broncos’ front office remains focused on value accumulation and positional flexibility. While mock drafts offer a range of possibilities — from selecting a feature running back in Round 2 to trading up for a defensive playmaker — the ultimate direction will depend on how the board unfolds and which players remain available when Denver is on the clock. With no first-round pick and a middle-of-the-round portfolio, Denver’s success in the 2026 draft will hinge on identifying undervalued talent and maximizing the impact of each selection.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the Broncos set to make their first selection on Day 2, Friday, April 24. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Denver opts for consistency in its projections or surprises with a trade-up or unexpected positional pick. For ongoing updates, official announcements, and post-draft analysis, refer to the Denver Broncos’ official website and verified NFL communications.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft and its implications for the Denver Broncos’ roster outlook heading into the 2026 season.
