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! For our first installment, I wanted to check the pulse on where the staff and community was relative to position groups the Denver Broncos should target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Without first and third round selections, the Broncos are a light on early round picks once again, marking the third time in General Manager George Paton’s tenure that the team will be without a top pick. On the bright side, the team’s roster is pretty deep with few significant needs.
With that in mind I asked the staff “What position groups should the Broncos target in this year’s draft?”
The Broncos have arguably the best offensive line in the NFL but it’s quickly approaching the inevitable point of having significant turnover in starters, and you don’t keep a strength as a strength if you don’t keep investing in it. I’d love to see a Day 2 pick spent on an offensive lineman.
For me, ILB, TE, and RB in that order. This inside linebacker classes aligns strongly with the type of players that George Paton and Sean Payton tend to target, so I would be absolutely shocked if they don’t get one of those guys in this draft. There are fewer tight ends and running backs in that tendency list, but most of those are in that 2nd-4th round range too. I just like where the Broncos are to address some key needs despite having so little draft capital this year.
I’m right there with Taylor. While they might not need to seek a day two pick for the offensive line, they need to look for a prospect that can wait a year or two and take over one of the spots up front. Ideally it would be an offensive tackle.
A Denver Broncos mock draft version 3.0 https://t.co/Ezc6oMxbTR
The big two positions of need for me are ILB and RB. Tight end is in play, and I could see them trying to find a swing OT/OG as well. Beyond that we are looking at taking the gems that the scouts have found in the late rounds for development.
Without a first and third round pick, this seems like a draft where the Broncos are going to be eyeing talent that have traits and the ability to become future starters with their top three selections. Outside of their top pick in the second round, it’s hard to imagine any other prospect the draft coming in right away and being a difference maker.
A dream scenario would be the Broncos’ brass finding a way to snag one of this year’s top inside linebacker prospects with their first pick. Despite bringing back Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, I still see it as one of the biggest long-term needs the franchise has. That’s what I’d like to see them address first.
Adding a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing tackle and guard would be wise for them to consider as well. Keeping the foundations strong is smart team-building strategy. I think there will be good value here at the top of the fourth round where they currently have two selections.
Outside of that, they could use depth at tight end, running back, and should consider a defensive back. Keep in mind that Ja’Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, Brandon Jones, and J.L. Skinner are all scheduled to hit free agency after the end of the 2026 season. They need to add someone to that room, and Paton has drafted at least one defensive back since he has been GM of the Broncos. I expect that to happen against this year.
What position groups do you think the Broncos should target with their slate of picks int he 2026 NFL Draft? Let me know what you think in the comments section.