With just over three weeks remaining until the NFL draft, the Broncos have plenty of options they can pursue with the 20th overall pick.
Denver’s beefed up its defense with the signings of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, and gave second-year quarterback Bo Nix another weapon in tight end Evan Engram. Do they pursue a running back? As columnist Troy Renck writes, “a dynamic runner is the only thing preventing the Broncos from passing the Chiefs next season.”
Here’s a look at who national draftniks think will land in Denver.
ESPN | Matt Miller | Updated March 27
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
“Broncos coach Sean Payton talked about finding a “joker” in the passing game and signed free agent tight end Evan Engram to do that. But that doesn’t mean the Broncos shouldn’t throw more resources into helping second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Burden is one of my favorite players in this class, and I feel he has been a victim of overevaluation. He exploded as a sophomore in 2023, with 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, but fell to 61/676/6 in 2024. That drop-off has prompted a lot of questions, but a lot of it could be blamed on an inconsistent Missouri offense.
“Burden has the size (6 feet, 206 pounds), speed (4.41 40 at the combine) and tools to be an elite receiver lining up outside or in the slot.” See the full mock draft.
More picks:
- Second round, 51st overall pick: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
- Third round, 85th overall pick: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
- Fourth round, 122nd overall pick: Jake Majors, C, Texas
- Sixth round, 191st overall pick: Joshua Simon, TE, South Carolina
- Sixth round, 197th overall pick: Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
- Sixth round, 208th overall pick: Jah Joyner, Edge, Minnesota
CBS Sports | Garett Podell | Updated April 1
Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
“The selection of Grant beefs up what’s already a dominant, top-five defense in Denver. He’s disruptive as a pass rusher with 10 passes defended across the last two seasons, tied for the most by a collegiate defensive lineman since 2023. This selection allows for the Broncos to even better emulate the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles’ model of building through the trenches.” See the full mock draft.
Los Angeles Times | Sam Farmer | Updated March 31
Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
“Having acquired a tight end, and this being too early for the second-best running back, the Broncos grab the NCAA sack leader.” See the full mock draft.
The Associated Press | Rob Maaddi | Updated March 28
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
“He’s a big, strong back with speed who gives the Broncos another playmaker around Bo Nix.” See the full mock draft.
CBS Sports | Josh Edwards | Updated March 27
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
“Denver has addressed most of its pressing needs this offseason but running back is not among them. Javonte Williams signed with Dallas this offseason. Ashton Jeanty is probably more in line with what Sean Payton wants out of the position but the Broncos would have to trade up to turn that dream into reality.” See the full mock draft.
NFL.com | Lance Zierlein | Updated April 1
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
“The board sets up nicely for the Broncos, who can turn in a variety of directions here. Hampton is a hard-charging physical specimen who can take some of the burden of moving the ball off the shoulders of young QB Bo Nix.” See the full mock draft.
Pro Football Focus | Dalton Wasserman | Updated March 31
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
“Denver’s running backs ranked in the bottom six in PFF rushing grade and yards after contact per attempt among NFL teams in 2024. During his past two seasons in Chapel Hill, Hampton earned an elite 93.9 PFF rushing grade while trailing only Ashton Jeanty in yards after contact. The Broncos could go about improving their offense in several ways in this draft. A workhorse back would fit in nicely behind their excellent offensive line.” See the full mock draft.
USA Today | Nate Davis | Updated April 1
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
“They somehow ranked 16th in rushing offense last season even though their top gainer was now-departed RB Javonte Williams, who had just 513 yards. Hampton could be the man to much more capably fill HC Sean Payton’s coveted ‘Joker’ role after rushing for 15 TDs and at least 1,500 yards each of the past two seasons for the Tar Heels. Big (6-0, 221) and fast (4.4 speed), Hampton is also durable and used to carrying a heavy load if asked.” See the full mock draft.
Bleacher Report | Brent Sobleski | Updated April 1
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“Imagine if the Denver Broncos snag Michigan’s Colston Loveland just ahead of the tight end’s collegiate head coach and the rival Los Angeles Chargers.
“But this move is more than simply being vindictive. B/R grades Loveland as the class’ TE1, because he’s the most well-rounded prospect, with the ability to be a weapon in the passing game and providing an in-line presence.” See the full mock draft.
NFL.com | Eric Edholm | Updated March 28
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
“If McMillan were to fall into this range, I could see a team like the Packers trying to trade up for him. But the Broncos would welcome another big target for Bo Nix, and they’ll want to plan for the potential loss of Courtland Sutton, who is heading into a contract season.” See the full mock draft.
The Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated April 1
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
“The Broncos can use some extra punch to complement Nik Bonitto and newcomer Dre Greenlaw, and they should love Walker’s explosive playmaking versatility under Vance Joseph.” See the full mock draft.
Other picks:
- Second round, 51st overall pick: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
- Third round, 85th overall pick: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
- Fourth round, 122nd overall pick: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
- Sixth round, 191st overall pick: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
- Sixth round, 197th overall pick: Caleb Ransaw, S, Tulane
- Seventh round, 208th overall pick: Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
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