The Denver Broncos enter the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick after trading it for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Their first selection is expected to come in Round 2, shifting focus to the later rounds.

While this will be their only pick until Round 4, Denver has multiple picks in the later rounds.

The team holds No. 62 in Round 2, two fourth-round picks at No. 108 and No. 111, a fifth-round pick at No. 170, and three seventh-round picks at No. 246, No. 256, and No. 257, including compensatory selections.

Denver finished the 2025 season with a 14-3 record but fell short in the AFC Championship Game after an injury to Bo Nix. While the core remains strong, there are still areas that need attention.

The tight end position needs reinforcement, as per USA Today. Evan Engram is turning 32 soon and will be in the final year of his contract.

The team may look for another option who can take the reins soon, considering Engram's underwhelming under 500 receiving yards and one passing touchdown in his first season.

The linebacker department also needs reinforcing, as per Broncos Wire, with Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad (29) both in their thirties for the 2026 season.

At wide receiver, the Waddle trade reduces urgency at the top, but depth can still be added in the middle rounds to support the offense.

The offensive line is another area to watch. Injuries last season showed the need for more depth and flexibility across the unit.

J.K. Dobbins' injury last year exposed a lack of depth in the running back room. While the player is still 27, adding depth in case of further injury woes could also be a good idea.

Denver can also move picks depending on how the board develops.

That brings the focus to how the Broncos plan to use their selections across the next two days.

Broncos’ Draft Options and Key Targets to Watch

Denver’s draft plan now centers on how they use their mid-round picks to fill key gaps across the roster.

Brent Sobleski from Bleacher Report had predicted that at Round 2 at No. 62, Ohio State tight end Max Klare could be a possible pick.

He recorded 43 receptions for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025, while also contributing to blocking schemes, making him a balanced option at the position.

According to multiple sources, including NFL insider Tony Pauline and ESPN's Field Yates, the wide receiver department remains another area to watch. Louisville’s Chris Bell offers production and big-play ability that make him a possible pick.

He finished the 2025 season with 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 12.7 yards per reception. His numbers highlight his role as a reliable target in the passing game.

With multiple picks across the next rounds, Denver’s approach will depend on how the board falls as they look to strengthen depth across key positions.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote