For the third time in five years, the Denver Broncos will be spectators on the first night of the NFL Draft. The trade for dynamic wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, which sent their 2026 first-round pick to Miami, has left the team without a Round 1 selection once again.

While some fans might view this as a setback, recent history suggests the Broncos' front office knows how to navigate this scenario. The past two drafts where Denver lacked a first-rounder have quietly yielded significant foundational pieces.

In the 2023 draft, operating without a Day 1 pick, the Broncos secured cornerstone players like linebacker Drew Sanders and wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. The 2024 class, headlined by quarterback Bo Nix and pass-rusher Jonah Elliss, is already generating excitement for its potential to shape the franchise's future.

This track record proves that draft success isn't confined to the first round. As the team builds around its new quarterback, the focus now shifts to finding value and impact players on Days 2 and 3. The pressure is on the scouting department to uncover more gems and continue building a competitive roster, even from outside the draft's brightest spotlight.