Time to build on 2024.
The Denver Broncos are coming off a relatively successful season.
Were they predicted to make the playoffs this season? Absolutely not. But they did just that with their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix.
What was noticeable was the lack of offensive weapons that Nix had as a supporting cast.
Is this where George Paton and Sean Payton will focus in the 2025 NFL Draft? Or will they look to re-enforce the top tier defense they already have?
It is time to break it down. I will also add three potential picks for each position – an early, mid and late round pick.
1. Tight End
The Broncos have lacked a top tier tight end for a number of years. The last one being Julius Thomas back in 2014, and its time the Broncos put this right.
The tight end room was led by Adam Trautman, who managed a massive 188 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Sean Payton would love to add a tight end as his ‘joker’ position and luckily for the Broncos, it seems that this years draft class is in no shortage of players that could fall into the Broncos hands.
I see the Broncos moving early in the draft to get their guy, and give Nix a constant weapon in the short passing game.
My Pick – Colston Loveland (Pick #20)
Early Round Pick – Colston Loveland (Michigan Wolverines)
Mid Round Pick – Elijah Arroyo (Miami)
Late Round Pick – Luke Lachey (Iowa)
2. Running Back
With the Broncos once again not managing to have a 1,000 yard rusher from the backfield, it opens up the question as to who will be the leading back in the room come the 2025 season.
Javonte Williams was the first choice last season, but is set to hit free agency and it is rumored that he will not be back in Denver.
While Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are serviceable backs in their own rights, the room needs an overhaul. They may go after a free agent, but I see the draft as a perfect chance to get their number one guy.
My Pick – Omarion Hampton (Pick #51. Though I doubt he is here, that is who I am targeting in Round 2)
Early Round Pick – Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
Mid Round Pick – Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)
Late Round Pick – Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
3. Defensive Tackle
The Denver Broncos defense was a standout team this season, and ranked in the top 10 in most rankings.
Yes the defensive line was much improved with the additions of John Franklin Myers and Malcom Roach in there, but there are notable free agents after this season so the chance to get younger and set for the future is one I do not see the Broncos passing on.
The draft is stacked with linemen and we all saw what a top tier defensive line did to Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl.
My Pick – Jordan Phillips (Pick #85)
Early Round Pick – Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)
Mid Round Pick – Jordan Phillips (Maryland)
Late Round Pick – Tim Smith (Alabama)
4. Inside Linebacker
The inside linebacker room could see the biggest overhaul. I can see a scenario where zero of the current ILBs come back to the 2025 roster.
Alex Singleton was out injured for the season, and while his replacements played fairly well, I see the need to improve here.
The Broncos have not been able to successfully cover a tight end for a number of years now. In my eyes, I would bring back Singleton and pair him with a high profile free agent, and draft their eventual replacement in the middle rounds.
My Pick – Demitrius Knight (Pick #121)
Early Round Pick – Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)
Mid Round Pick – Demitrius Knight (South Carolina)
Late Round Pick – Shemar James (Florida)
5. Wide Receiver
I spoke before about getting some weapons for the Broncos quarterback. He already has Courtland Sutton who became his number one weapon this season, and Pro Bowl returner Marvin Mims Jr. is rising quickly in the rankings after a stellar end to the season.
But Denver could really do with another legit wide receiver to really strengthen that room.
I am thinking someone who can go into the slot, or be that guy so that Sutton does not get double coverage all game.
It is a room that actually is sneakily productive. I do see the Broncos addressing this in free agency and going for a big signing such as Chris Godwin or Tee Higgins, but they will certainly add one or two in the draft too.
My Pick – Kyren Lacy
Early Round Pick – Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
Mid Round Pick – Kyren Lacy (LSU)
Late Round Pick – Eftom Chism (Eastern Washington)
