The Super Bowl is over. The Eagles are the champions. And now, it’s time to look ahead to the new season.
The NFL draft is 10 weeks away and the Broncos have the No. 20 pick in the first round. So what will Denver do? Running back? Shore up the defense? Get a tight end?
Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.
Fox Sports | Rob Rang | Updated Feb. 11
Jihaad Campbell, ILB, Alabama
“The Broncos finished second in rushing yards allowed per attempt (3.9) and third in touchdowns surrendered on the ground (10) in 2024, so run defense would hardly seem to be a need. However, with three veteran linebackers (Cody Barton, Justin Strnad and Zach Cunningham) heading toward free agency, the club may see the raw but uber-talented Campbell as an ideal replacement.” .
ESPN | Field Yates | Updated Feb. 11
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
“It was hard to go 19 picks without Jeanty coming off the board — he’s one of my five highest-ranked prospects in the class. But he also plays the deepest position in this draft and one on which many teams philosophically are not inclined to use a premium pick. But this would be a dream scenario for the Broncos. They tied for 20th in yards per rush (4.1) and Javonte Williams is a free agent.
“Jeanty would take over the lead role behind an excellent offensive line (the Broncos ranked first in run block win rate in 2024) and pair with second-year quarterback Bo Nix to give coach Sean Payton an offensive boost. Jeanty can be a Pro Bowl-level player very early in his career, as his speed, power, contact balance and receiving profile are all excellent. He ran for 2,601 yards this past season.” .
Rotoworld | Kyle Dvorchak | Updated Feb. 11
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
“Sean Payton’s run/pass splits were malleable in New Orleans, but his running backs were always a focal point of the offense. His Saints teams finished top 10 in rushing touchdowns in 10-of-15 seasons and were at or near the top of the league in pass-game usage almost every year. Jeanty does everything you can ask of a running back and he does it better than any back. He ran for 2,601 yards as the nation’s best back in 2024 and leveraged his underrated receiving skills for a 43/569/5 line in 2023. Positional value is likely the only thing keeping him out of the top five in this draft.” .
CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated Feb. 12
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“Sean Payton gets a talented receiving tight end to work the seam for Bo Nix.” .
ESPN | Matt Miller | Updated Feb. 3
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“Loveland is one of my favorite players in the entire class; he’d give coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix another target in the passing game to complement receiver Courtland Sutton. Loveland, who battled through injuries in 2024, can line up all over the formation but is at his best as a flex tight end. He ran the full route tree at Michigan and has the grace of a wide receiver at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds.
“The Broncos are a team in transition as the front office starts adding more playmakers around Nix. Finding him a young safety valve to grow with is the best roster-building move and would open up the middle of the field in the passing game.” .
Other picks:
- Second round, 51st overall pick: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Fox Sports | Joel Klatt | Updated Feb. 12
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
NFL.com | Cynthia Frelund | Updated Feb. 7
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“Give Sean Payton this mismatch weapon and see what happens. Bo Nix, rightfully, would lose his mind if Denver were to make this pick.” .
NFL.com | Chad Reuter | Updated Feb. 10
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Trade:
- Broncos get: 2025 first-round pick (16th overall), fifth-round pick
- Cardinals get: 2025 first-round pick (20th overall), third-round pick, sixth-round pick
“Loveland’s reliable hands, body control, foot quickness and willingness to block should endear him to head coach Sean Payton.” .
Other picks:
- Second round, 51st overall pick: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated Feb. 10
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“The Broncos also haven’t had a big-time receiving tight end in a while. Loveland is a complete player with his strength and athleticism. He would be a choice intermediate target and plus blocker for Bo Nix and the running game, serving as a potential new Jimmy Graham for Sean Payton and Joe Lombardi.” .
