Stocks for prospects rose and fell during the NFL combine. So what does that mean for the Broncos?
Denver owns the 20th pick in the NFL draft. And while head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton say finding a “joker” in the offense is a priority, who that could be remains up in the air.
Here’s a look at who national draftniks think will land in Denver.
The Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated March 3
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
“The Broncos will think about tight end should Colston Loveland be on the board, but ultimately, they need a complementary, technically sound route-runner to play well off Courtland Sutton for Bo Nix. Egbuka decided to rest on his experience and program pedigree at the combine.” See the full mock draft.
ESPN | Jordan Reid | Updated March 4
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
“Emmanwori dominated at the combine. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety ran a 4.38 in the 40 while recording 43 inches in the vertical jump and 11-foot-6 in the broad jump. He showed massive improvement in coverage in 2024, registering a career-high four interceptions, including two pick-sixes.
“He best projects as a strong safety who can play linebacker sporadically. That versatility allows him to roam the box and use his physicality against the run; he can also match up with running backs and tight ends in coverage. Emmanwori would give the Broncos more coverage options to complement a pass rush that led the NFL with 63 sacks this past season. Coach Sean Payton would love having him in his secondary.” See the full mock draft.
Other picks:
- Second round, 51st overall pick: Elijah Arrojo, TE, Miami
NFL.com | Charles Davis | Updated March 5
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
“Emmanwori put on the show of shows at the combine, but he also has excellent game tape that justifies the Broncos dreaming of him emulating Steve Atwater and Justin Simmons in the Denver secondary.” See the full mock draft.
CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated March 4
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
“Is Ashton Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; is Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs luxury picks? Because Jeanty is that type of impact back. He hasn’t been used nearly as much in the pass game, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it (just look at his 2023 tape). And, truth be told, he could end up going 10 picks higher.” See the full mock draft.
Yahoo! Sports | Nate Tice and Charles McDonald | Updated March 5
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
“The Broncos can block, but they lacked the RB room in 2024 to fully take advantage of the designs and lanes created. Enter Jeanty, who doesn’t really need a lane but more of a sliver to create explosive plays. Jeanty with Sean Payton and that Broncos offensive line is the heart eye emoji personified.” See the full mock draft.
Bleacher Report | Brent Sobleski | Updated March 4
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“If anything, a team sitting a little lower can benefit by adding a play-making target who might not have otherwise been available.
“The Denver Broncos don’t have a capable threat at tight end right now. The organization should be looking for a Jimmy Graham-like weapon in Sean Payton’s offense, particularly as a way to help the squad’s young quarterback, Bo Nix.” See the full mock draft.
NFL.com | Lance Zierlein | Updated March 3
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“Building around Bo Nix is likely to continue to be a priority. An athletic pass catcher with good size could be high on the Broncos’ wish list.” See the full mock draft.
Pro Football Focus | Trevor Sikkema | Updated March 3
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“Broncos head coach Sean Payton discussed adding a ‘joker’ offensive position this offseason — essentially, someone who can be a middle-of-the-field weapon as a tight end, wide receiver or running back. Loveland fits the bill, much like Brock Bowers did in last year’s class.” See the full mock draft.
CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated March 4
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
“There are Jimmy Graham characteristics to Warren’s game, which of course leads to Sean Payton gravitating toward him.” See the full mock draft.
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.