Broncos Country, it’s officially NFL Draft Week and you know what that means. Our annual Mile High Report NFL Draft Roundtable discussions are back! We have answered three questions relative to the Denver Broncos and their potential draft pursuits thus far. Now we are here again to discuss a fourth.

Without two top selections, it’s hard to imagine this year’s draft class being a significant difference maker or needle mover in their 2026 quest for the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy. Most years, fans have the expectation that early round picks should be able to come in right away in contribute, though a lot of teams, in particular the Broncos, seem to have a different vision or set of expectations that are player-based.

With that in mind I asked the staff “What are your expectations for this year’s draft class without a first and third round selection?

Improved depth developing toward future starters. We may not have those two picks, but we do still have three picks in the top 111. Without a big immediate need for new starters, I’m good with taking some guys that need a year to grow into their upside and potential.

That truly depends on who they draft. They could get a guy like Anthony Hill, Jr. and see him compete for snaps all season long as a rookie. Or they could go defensive line—which is pretty deep on Day 2—and see them develop that player along more slowly. The end result could still end up being a multi-year starter and good player. My expectations for any rookie class will be tempered anyway. Few come in and dominate from day one. Just look for progress.

This is the NFL Draft. I have no expectations.  Each player is a role of the dice and anything contributions this year are extra icing on the cake. This roster is very sound top to bottom as far as having functional starters outside of inside linebacker.

This is a depth draft. Sean Payton loves players with high football IQ and guys who will buy into his culture. I love that approach especially when drafting for depth because you will easily hit in a few unlikely (or at least unpredicted) stars.

Despite not having two top picks, General Manager George Paton remarked during team’s pre-draft press conference that their expectations are very high. He mentioned past drafts (three lacking first-round picks) and some of the success they have had navigating drafts without a full slate of picks. That does give me confidence the Broncos can do it again.

However, my expectations aren’t as high as the decision makers finalizing draft plans inside their war room at Dove Valley. If they are able to find a year one difference maker with their top pick, that would be tremendous. Though I don’t think that necessarily has to happen in order for it to be a sound selection. Very few players make the collegiate to pro jump and take their rookie campaigns by storm. The further away you get from the first round, the harder that gets.

With their core of Day 3 picks, I’m hoping they can find players with traits that will eventually translate to become a starting caliber player. Positions like offensive line, defensive line, tight end, defensive back, and running back come to mind as areas where the team can find a developmental prospect to learn the system a year and be ready to contribute more significantly down the road.

So, my expectations? Find some prospects that can shore up areas with depth issues that have long-term questions in the starting lineup. If they can do that, I’ll be happy with their efforts.

What are your expectations for the Broncos’ presumptive 2026 draft class without two premium selections? Let me know what you think in the comments section.