Broncos’ Draft Outlook: Unveiling 52 Potential Picks in Rounds 1-4
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms just a month away, the Denver Broncos are strategically shaping their roster following free agency. With key additions and retentions, the team’s vision under Sean Payton is becoming clearer. While a definitive solution at running back remains a top priority, the draft presents an opportunity to address both immediate needs and long-term aspirations. General Manager George Paton has always looked to the draft to build a competitive team for years to come. He’s had some success and some not so successful picks as well. With Payton at the helm, the pressure is on Paton to produce and help the Broncos get back to the playoffs.
This analysis explores 52 potential draft targets for the Broncos across the first four rounds, providing a comprehensive look at the team’s options. While predicting every possible scenario is challenging due to potential trades, this round-by-round breakdown offers valuable insight into the Broncos’ potential draft strategy. The Broncos have many holes to fill and not many picks to fill them with, so look for Paton and Payton to work some magic to fill the biggest holes on the team.
The Broncos’ approach to the first round will be critical. While positional needs exist, the team should prioritize selecting the best available player, considering the talent infusion required. Quarterback and offensive tackle are unlikely targets, but numerous avenues for improvement exist with the right selection. Denver’s interest in North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, a potential first-round talent, is particularly noteworthy. If the Broncos think they can nab a guy like Hampton who can come in and make a difference on day one, that would be a major success for the front office and coaching staff. The running back position is one of major need, and the team could look to fill it in the first round, even with it not being a premier position anymore.
First Round: Potential Impact Players
The Broncos face a multitude of possibilities in the first round, with several players potentially available when their pick arrives. Running back Ashton Jeanty, tight ends Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan are among the potential targets. The possibility of trading up for a game-changing playmaker also exists, although the Broncos’ recent history of trading first-round picks must be considered.
Several players stand out as potential fits for the Broncos in the first round. Ashton Jeanty from Boise State is a dynamic running back known for his versatility and explosiveness. Tyler Warren from Penn State is a well-rounded tight end with excellent receiving skills and blocking ability. Colston Loveland from Michigan is a matchup nightmare for defenses with his size and athleticism. Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona is a big-bodied receiver with exceptional hands and route-running skills. The Broncos could use a player with his skill set to help Bo Nix progress as a starting NFL quarterback.
Defensive prospects such as Jihaad Campbell, Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, Derrick Harmon, Nick Emmanwori, Tyler Booker, Malaki Starks, Kenneth Grant, and Matthew Golden could also be in play for the Broncos. All of these guys can come in and make an impact on the defensive side of the ball. The Broncos struggled on defense in 2024, and bringing in an instant impact player on defense would be a smart move by the front office.
Second Round: Finding Value and Addressing Needs
The second round presents an opportunity to address key positions, particularly interior offensive line. Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, who impressed the Broncos at the combine, could be a target. Henderson’s pass-protection skills and receiving ability align with the Broncos’ needs. Interior offensive line prospects like Grey Zabel and Jared Wilson could also be in consideration to compete with Luke Wattenberg.
TreVeyon Henderson stands out as a potential steal in the second round. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a valuable asset. Henderson’s toughness, experience, and youth further enhance his appeal. The Broncos also need to consider Henderson’s injury history as he has been banged up quite a bit in his time at Ohio State. However, if healthy, Henderson is the guy the Broncos should go after in round two.
The Broncos also need to improve their offensive line. A guy like Grey Zabel who played tackle at North Dakota State would be a solid addition to the roster. He is likely to move inside at center, which is the spot the Broncos need the most help at. Jared Wilson from Georgia could also be in the mix to compete with Wattenberg who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Third Round: Offensive Playmakers and Hidden Gems
The third round offers intriguing options for offensive playmakers. Running backs Dylan Sampson, Trevor Etienne, and Cam Skattebo each bring unique skill sets to the table. Tight ends Terrance Ferguson and Gunnar Helm, with local ties, could also be targets. Wide receiver Jack Bech, who impressed at the Senior Bowl, could fill multiple roles in Denver’s offense.
The Broncos have a myriad of options at the running back position in the third round. Dylan Sampson from Tennessee has a nose for the endzone, rushing for 35 touchdowns in the last three seasons. Trevor Etienne from Georgia has been efficient with his carries and has wiggle after the catch. Cam Skattebo had one of the most productive offensive seasons in all of college football last season, totaling over 2,000 yards of offense and 24 touchdowns. These are all guys the Broncos could use to boost their running game.
Denver could also use some local ties in the third round. Terrance Ferguson, who prepped at Heritage High School and Gunnar Helm who prepped at Cherry Creek High School are two guys the Broncos have had their eyes on. Ferguson played with Nix at Oregon in 2022 and 2023. These guys could work behind newly acquired Evan Engram next season.
Fourth Round: Defensive Backfield and Value Picks
The Broncos’ approach to the defensive backfield in the draft will be closely watched. While the team boasts talent at cornerback and safety, selecting a player with high potential remains a possibility. Andrew Mukuba, a safety from Texas, and cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Cobee Bryant could be targets in the fourth round.
With the Broncos having a lot of talent in the defensive backfield, they may wait until the fourth round to address the position. The Broncos have the Defensive Player of the Year in Pat Surtain II and intriguing depth behind him in Riley Moss, Kris Abrams-Draine and Damarri Mathis. The Broncos signed Talanoa Hufanga to start alongside Brandon Jones at safety, so they are fairly set at the safety position.
However, they could still look to bring in some young guys to develop for the future. Andrew Mukuba from Texas could be the third Longhorn alum to join the Broncos safety room behind Jones and Locke. He had five interceptions during his final season at Texas. Bilhal Kone could be a solid find in the middle rounds. He has good length and instincts, but needs refinement. Cobee Bryant from Kansas doesn’t have the physical traits of a high-round pick, but his ball production stands out with 13 interceptions in his career.
Conclusion: Building a Contender Through the Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft presents a crucial opportunity for the Denver Broncos to solidify their roster and build a team capable of contending for championships. By strategically addressing needs at running back, offensive line, and other key positions, the Broncos can position themselves for success in the upcoming season and beyond. The draft is an inexact science, but if the Broncos can hit on some of these guys, they will be well on their way to returning to the playoffs.
