Bleacher Report Identifies Broncos' Top Draft Priority Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
As the 2026 NFL Draft is just a day away, Bleacher Report has pointed to the offensive line as one area the Denver Broncos could still address. The offensive line remains a position worth monitoring for the Broncos heading into the draft.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine highlighted the offensive line as a possible focus. He mentioned a few names to watch, including Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor, Boston College’s Jude Bowry, and Florida’s Austin Barber.
The team holds seven picks, starting in the second round, allowing them to focus more on depth than immediate starters.
Head coach Sean Payton has also stressed the value of the position.“One of the most important positions on your team,” Payton said earlier this offseason.
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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on as players warm up before the AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 17 AFC Divisional Round Bills at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon132260117154
That comes after a solid 2025 season. The Broncos had a 14-3 run last season, tying their best-ever record. That was enough to grab the No. 1 seed in the AFC, win the division, and reach the AFC Championship Game.
The production backs that up, with Denver having two first-team All-Pro players on the offensive line in 2025. That brings the focus to how Denver could use the draft to add depth on the offensive line.
Why Offensive Line Depth is in Focus for Denver
Denver already has a starting group on the offensive line. That makes this position one to watch as the team looks to add depth through the draft.
Among the names linked by Ballentine, Jude Bowry fits. He has starting experience at offensive tackle and is seen as a mid-round option with room to grow.
Bowry has developed his value consistently at Boston College before entering the 2026 NFL Draft. In 2022, he appeared in seven games as a freshman. After a redshirt season in 2023, he moved on to become the starting left tackle in 2024 and started in all 12 games. That season, he allowed just two sacks and posted a 75.7 pass blocking grade.
Following up on this performance, he became a team captain in 2025 and started another nine games as the left tackle. Bowry wrapped up his college career after appearing in 31 games and starting in 23 games.
Do you agree with Ballentine? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Anjali Thakur
Edited by
Rudra Dubey