NFL Draft Grades - Denver Broncos
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Denver Broncos Upcoming 2025 Draft Picks (7)
2025
Pick 20. (R:1 P:20) -
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Grade: A+
This isn’t one of Denver’s biggest needs, but it was a need. We saw a lack of cornerback depth during the Monday night shootout against Jameis Winston. The running backs were widely projected, but running backs can be safely obtained on Day 2. Getting one of the top corners in the class at No. 20 when he was being discussed in the top 10 is amazing value. Great pick!
Grade: A+
This isn’t one of Denver’s biggest needs, but it was a need. We saw a lack of cornerback depth during the Monday night shootout against Jameis Winston. The running backs were widely projected, but running backs can be safely obtained on Day 2. Getting one of the top corners in the class at No. 20 when he was being discussed in the top 10 is amazing value. Great pick!
2025
Pick 60. (R:2 P:28) - R.J. Harvey, RB, Central Florida
Grade: D
The Broncos could have drafted a viable running back earlier, but they messed around and that caused them to miss out on all the talented players at the position. R.J. Harvey, a former quarterback, was projected as a fourth-round prospect, so this is a reach.
Grade: D
The Broncos could have drafted a viable running back earlier, but they messed around and that caused them to miss out on all the talented players at the position. R.J. Harvey, a former quarterback, was projected as a fourth-round prospect, so this is a reach.
2025
Pick 74. (R:3 P:10) - Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
Grade: MILLEN
I have to give a Millen grade to the first pick who didn’t make it into my mock draft, and that would be this one. Pat Bryant was seen as a sixth-round prospect at best, so this is a mega reach. The Broncos needed a receiver, but there were many superior wideouts available.
Grade: MILLEN
I have to give a Millen grade to the first pick who didn’t make it into my mock draft, and that would be this one. Pat Bryant was seen as a sixth-round prospect at best, so this is a mega reach. The Broncos needed a receiver, but there were many superior wideouts available.
2025
Pick 101. (R:3 P:37) - Saivion Jones, DE, LSU
Grade: B
Sai’Vion Jones entered college with high upside with his great athleticism. He then didn’t accomplish much in college and was seen as a disappointment, but he thrived in the Senior Bowl. The Broncos didn’t really need an edge rusher, but no team can ever have enough players to rush the passer.
Grade: B
Sai’Vion Jones entered college with high upside with his great athleticism. He then didn’t accomplish much in college and was seen as a disappointment, but he thrived in the Senior Bowl. The Broncos didn’t really need an edge rusher, but no team can ever have enough players to rush the passer.
2025
Pick 134. (R:4 P:32) - Que Robinson, DE, Alabama
Grade: B-
I had Que Robinson going in the sixth round in most updates, so I don’t like this from a value perspective, but I appreciate the Broncos adding to their pass rush. They clearly watched the Super Bowl and will need to emulate what the Eagles did to take down Patrick Mahomes.
Grade: B-
I had Que Robinson going in the sixth round in most updates, so I don’t like this from a value perspective, but I appreciate the Broncos adding to their pass rush. They clearly watched the Super Bowl and will need to emulate what the Eagles did to take down Patrick Mahomes.
2025
Pick 216. (R:6 P:40) - Jeremy Crawshaw, K, Florida
Grade: B
Teams sometimes draft punters in the third or fourth round. That's dumb. Doing so makes so much sense in the sixth round. The Broncos needed to fill this need.
Grade: B
Teams sometimes draft punters in the third or fourth round. That's dumb. Doing so makes so much sense in the sixth round. The Broncos needed to fill this need.
2025
Pick 241. (R:7 P:25) - Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah
Grade: B
The Broncos signed Evan Engram, but were still expected to draft a tight end because of Evan Engram's age. Caleb Lohner has some upside as an athletic former basketball player.
Grade: B
The Broncos signed Evan Engram, but were still expected to draft a tight end because of Evan Engram's age. Caleb Lohner has some upside as an athletic former basketball player.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/25/2025 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Denver Broncos: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Bo Nix needs another weapon. This could come in the form of a tight end, as Sean Payton may want to obtain his next Jimmy Graham. Denver signed Evan Engram, but the former Jaguar is 31, and we've seen teams double up on tight ends before (i.e. the Bills drafting Dalton Kincaid right after giving Dawson Knox a ton of money.) Receiver is a huge need as well, given that there isn't much at the position outside of Courtland Sutton and perhaps Marvin Mims. And there's running back, which is Denver's biggest need. I believe the Broncos will attempt to trade up for Ashton Jeanty, but if the Jaguars draft him at No. 5, that will be impossible. Omarion Hampton is a big back who has shown decent receiving ability. *** OTHER 2025 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Trade up - As mentioned, the Broncos will be trying to move up for Jeanty. I could see them trading up for a receiver as well. 2. Tetairoa McMillan/Matthew Golden, WRs - The Broncos could take a No. 2 receiver if they don't trade up.
Round: 2
Denver Broncos: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
The Broncos have a huge hole at the No. 2 wide receiver spot, and we know that Sean Payton loves his big wideouts. Jayden Higgins is a massive receiver and a potential matchup nightmare in the NFL. Pick change; previously Tyleik Williams, DT
Round: 3
Denver Broncos: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
Defensive tackle is Denver's biggest need on the defensive side of the ball, so that will be addressed early in the 2025 NFL Draft. T.J. Sanders had a breakout '23 season. He possesses a ton of upside. Pick change; previously Tyler Baron, DE/OLB
Round: 4
Denver Broncos: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
Evan Engram was signed, but he's in his 30s. A long-term solution at tight end is needed. Terrance Ferguson was a quality contributor for Oregon. Pick change; previously Tory Horton, WR
Round: 6
Denver Broncos: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
The Broncos will be looking to double up at running back, even if they take one in the first round. Pick change; previously Jaydon Blue, RB
Round: 6
Denver Broncos: Oronde Gadsen II, TE, Syracuse
Despite the Evan Engram signing, the Broncos are targeting two tight ends in this draft.
Round: 6
Denver Broncos: Kai Kroeger, P, South Carolina
The Broncos will be looking to draft a punter at some point.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 12. (R:1 P:12) -
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
MILLEN This reminds me of the Vikings drafting Christian Ponder or the Jaguars drafting Blaine Gabbert. Both quarterbacks were second-round prospects who were pushed way up because of position and need. This is the case here, as Nix should be a second-round selection. The Broncos, however, were very desperate for a quarterback and were backed into a corner. They should have traded back and tried to get Nix.
MILLEN This reminds me of the Vikings drafting Christian Ponder or the Jaguars drafting Blaine Gabbert. Both quarterbacks were second-round prospects who were pushed way up because of position and need. This is the case here, as Nix should be a second-round selection. The Broncos, however, were very desperate for a quarterback and were backed into a corner. They should have traded back and tried to get Nix.
2024
Pick 76. (R:3 P:12) - Jonah Elliss, OLB/DE, Utah
B The Broncos had interest in Laiatu Latu, so they may have taken him had they not needed a quarterback. Thus, it's not a surprise to see them address their weak edge rush with this pick. Jonah Elliss fits the range and fills a need, but he's a bit undersized, so his snap count will be limited.
B The Broncos had interest in Laiatu Latu, so they may have taken him had they not needed a quarterback. Thus, it's not a surprise to see them address their weak edge rush with this pick. Jonah Elliss fits the range and fills a need, but he's a bit undersized, so his snap count will be limited.
2024
Pick 102. (R:4 P:2) -
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
A+ What a steal! Troy Franklin easily could have gone in the second round. The Broncos are getting a steal, all while filling a need to replace Jerry Jeudy. Even better, Franklin gets to keep playing with his college quarterback. Definitely an A+ pick!
A+ What a steal! Troy Franklin easily could have gone in the second round. The Broncos are getting a steal, all while filling a need to replace Jerry Jeudy. Even better, Franklin gets to keep playing with his college quarterback. Definitely an A+ pick!
2024
Pick 145. (R:5 P:10) - Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
A The Broncos didn't have much at cornerback aside from Patrick Surtain, so they had to address the position. Kris Abrams-Draine has a chance to become a starter in the future, as he was a potential third-round pick, so I like this value.
A The Broncos didn't have much at cornerback aside from Patrick Surtain, so they had to address the position. Kris Abrams-Draine has a chance to become a starter in the future, as he was a potential third-round pick, so I like this value.
2024 Denver Broncos - Prospect:TBD
2024 Denver Broncos - Prospect:TBD
2024
Pick 256. (R:7 P:36) - Nicholas Garguilo, C/G, South Carolina
A- The Broncos lost some linemen in free agency, so they had to find some depth. Why not draft a guy who can play every interior position? I thought Nicholas Garguilo would go a bit earlier than this, so I like the value.
A- The Broncos lost some linemen in free agency, so they had to find some depth. Why not draft a guy who can play every interior position? I thought Nicholas Garguilo would go a bit earlier than this, so I like the value.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 67. (R:3 P:4) -
Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
A Drew Sanders definitely could have gone earlier than this. He's a high-upside, athletic player who can be used all over the field. He can be used in the middle of the field or on the edge. I love this value.
A Drew Sanders definitely could have gone earlier than this. He's a high-upside, athletic player who can be used all over the field. He can be used in the middle of the field or on the edge. I love this value.
2023
Pick 68. (R:3 P:5) -
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
A+ I absolutely love this pick. Hendon Hooker is a quarterback I had rated above Will Levis, who went way earlier than this. He's an athletic player with great passing ability, but he fell because he's a 26-year-old coming off a torn ACL. However, he doesn't need to play right away. The Lions can develop him and have him as the starter down the road.
A+ I absolutely love this pick. Hendon Hooker is a quarterback I had rated above Will Levis, who went way earlier than this. He's an athletic player with great passing ability, but he fell because he's a 26-year-old coming off a torn ACL. However, he doesn't need to play right away. The Lions can develop him and have him as the starter down the road.
2023
Pick 108. (R:4 P:6) - Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
B+ The Seahawks had two stud rookies at tackle last year, but needed help at guard. Anthony Bradford can actually play both positions. He's a solid prospect who looked very smooth in the combine drills to help himself. This is a quality pick to help Geno Smith.
B+ The Seahawks had two stud rookies at tackle last year, but needed help at guard. Anthony Bradford can actually play both positions. He's a solid prospect who looked very smooth in the combine drills to help himself. This is a quality pick to help Geno Smith.
2023
Pick 139. (R:5 P:4) - Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
B The Cardinals needed to draft a quarterback to develop behind Kyler Murray and his albatross of a contract. Clayton Tune is an accurate quarterback who projects as a career backup. There's not much upside here, but the pick had to be made.
B The Cardinals needed to draft a quarterback to develop behind Kyler Murray and his albatross of a contract. Clayton Tune is an accurate quarterback who projects as a career backup. There's not much upside here, but the pick had to be made.
2023
Pick 195. (R:6 P:18) - A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
B No one should be surprised that the Saints added to their receiving corps, which is starved for depth. A.T. Perry is a massive wideout who should be a nice weapon in the end zone.
B No one should be surprised that the Saints added to their receiving corps, which is starved for depth. A.T. Perry is a massive wideout who should be a nice weapon in the end zone.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 64. (R:2 P:32) -
Nik Bonitto, OLB, Oklahoma
B+ Grade
Nik "Casa" Bonitto is a bit of a tweener, but he's an explosive edge rusher. The Broncos signed Randy Gregory, but they can't count on him to be a long-term player across from Bradley Chubb. Bonitto could be that guy.
B+ Grade
Nik "Casa" Bonitto is a bit of a tweener, but he's an explosive edge rusher. The Broncos signed Randy Gregory, but they can't count on him to be a long-term player across from Bradley Chubb. Bonitto could be that guy.
2022
Pick 80. (R:3 P:16) -
Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
A- Grade
I mocked Greg Dulcich to the Broncos at No. 75, so I'm glad they were able to trade down five spots and pick up some value! Tight end makes sense here after Denver traded Noah Fant to Seattle. I like Albert Okwuegbunam, but the Broncos want to give Russell Wilson two capable tight ends to throw to, and Dulcich has good upside.
A- Grade
I mocked Greg Dulcich to the Broncos at No. 75, so I'm glad they were able to trade down five spots and pick up some value! Tight end makes sense here after Denver traded Noah Fant to Seattle. I like Albert Okwuegbunam, but the Broncos want to give Russell Wilson two capable tight ends to throw to, and Dulcich has good upside.
2022
Pick 115. (R:4 P:10) - Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh
B+ Grade
The Broncos had to address their cornerback situation, as it's not very promising outside of Patrick Surtain. Damarri Mathis could help sooner rather than later, as he's a solid choice here in the fourth round. I've had him in this range in most updates.
B+ Grade
The Broncos had to address their cornerback situation, as it's not very promising outside of Patrick Surtain. Damarri Mathis could help sooner rather than later, as he's a solid choice here in the fourth round. I've had him in this range in most updates.
2022
Pick 116. (R:4 P:11) - Eyioma Uwazurike, , Iowa State
C Grade
Eyioma Uwazurike impressed during pre-draft workouts and did a good job of improving his draft stock, but I think this is a bit too rich for him. I had him pegged in the sixth round, so I'm not a fan of this pick, though it potentially fills a need.
C Grade
Eyioma Uwazurike impressed during pre-draft workouts and did a good job of improving his draft stock, but I think this is a bit too rich for him. I had him pegged in the sixth round, so I'm not a fan of this pick, though it potentially fills a need.
2022
Pick 152. (R:5 P:9) - Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma
B Grade
The Broncos need to get younger at safety, so this pick makes a lot of sense. Delarrin Turner-Yell is someone I mocked around this range, so this is a solid pick for Denver.
B Grade
The Broncos need to get younger at safety, so this pick makes a lot of sense. Delarrin Turner-Yell is someone I mocked around this range, so this is a solid pick for Denver.
2022 Denver Broncos - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 179. (R:5 P:36) -
Kingsley Enagbare, DE, South Carolina
A- Grade
The Packers were looking for edge-rushing depth after losing Za'Darius Smith this offseason. Kingsley Enagbare, who was a quality pass rusher at South Carolina, should be able to fill that need. I had him a round earlier than this.
A- Grade
The Packers were looking for edge-rushing depth after losing Za'Darius Smith this offseason. Kingsley Enagbare, who was a quality pass rusher at South Carolina, should be able to fill that need. I had him a round earlier than this.
2022
Pick 207. (R:6 P:28) - Doug Kramer, C, Illinois
C+ Grade
Doug Kramer was a rock-solid center at Illinois. I just didn't think he had the athleticism to be in the NFL, but perhaps he'll prove everyone wrong. Kramer could compete for starting action because Chicago's offensive line is so bad.
C+ Grade
Doug Kramer was a rock-solid center at Illinois. I just didn't think he had the athleticism to be in the NFL, but perhaps he'll prove everyone wrong. Kramer could compete for starting action because Chicago's offensive line is so bad.
2022
Pick 233. (R:7 P:12) - Dareke Young, WR, Lenoir-Rhyne
B Grade
I'm not sure why the Seahawks needed another receiver, but Dareke Young's range makes sense to me in the seventh round. I slotted him to the Seahawks at No. 229, so I can't grade this pick poorly!
B Grade
I'm not sure why the Seahawks needed another receiver, but Dareke Young's range makes sense to me in the seventh round. I slotted him to the Seahawks at No. 229, so I can't grade this pick poorly!
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 9. (R:1 P:9) -
Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
B Grade
The Broncos loved Justin Fields, so this selection might suggest that they'll be trading for Aaron Rodgers - and perhaps Surtain will be part of the package. Cornerback isn't a big immediate need for the Broncos, but they have Kyle Fuller signed on for just one year, so the position would need to be addressed soon. If Surtain goes to the Packers, it'll be a huge upgrade across from Jaire Alexander, and I would boost the grade to an A-.
B Grade
The Broncos loved Justin Fields, so this selection might suggest that they'll be trading for Aaron Rodgers - and perhaps Surtain will be part of the package. Cornerback isn't a big immediate need for the Broncos, but they have Kyle Fuller signed on for just one year, so the position would need to be addressed soon. If Surtain goes to the Packers, it'll be a huge upgrade across from Jaire Alexander, and I would boost the grade to an A-.
2021
Pick 40. (R:2 P:8) -
Richie Grant, S, Central Florida
B Grade
Another safety over Trevon Moehrig, so I wonder if there are injury concerns with the TCU product. Richie Grant is a quality safety prospect with great instincts, so he can start right away. That's needed for the Falcons, who have to deal with Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and D.J. Moore in their division.
B Grade
Another safety over Trevon Moehrig, so I wonder if there are injury concerns with the TCU product. Richie Grant is a quality safety prospect with great instincts, so he can start right away. That's needed for the Falcons, who have to deal with Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and D.J. Moore in their division.
2021
Pick 71. (R:3 P:7) -
Aaron Robinson, CB, Central Florida
A+ Grade
The Giants added Adoree Jackson to James Bradberry, but they still needed one more cornerback. Aaron Robinson addresses that void, providing great value in the process. I've had Robinson in the first round of some of my updates, so I absolutely love this pick.
A+ Grade
The Giants added Adoree Jackson to James Bradberry, but they still needed one more cornerback. Aaron Robinson addresses that void, providing great value in the process. I've had Robinson in the first round of some of my updates, so I absolutely love this pick.
2021
Pick 114. (R:4 P:9) - Drew Dalman, , Stanford
B+ Grade
I had Drew Dalman slotted three picks later in my mock draft, so this value makes sense to me. The Falcons had to obtain a center after losing Alex Mack. They have a replacement in Matt Hennessy, but he's not a proven commodity, so competition was needed.
B+ Grade
I had Drew Dalman slotted three picks later in my mock draft, so this value makes sense to me. The Falcons had to obtain a center after losing Alex Mack. They have a replacement in Matt Hennessy, but he's not a proven commodity, so competition was needed.
2021
Pick 152. (R:5 P:8) - Caden Sterns, S, Texas
A Grade
Caden Sterns is a great athlete who had a tremendous start to his Texas career, but an injury derailed his collegiate career. This is a great value pick because if Sterns gets healthier, he could perform like he did in his early days at Texas.
A Grade
Caden Sterns is a great athlete who had a tremendous start to his Texas career, but an injury derailed his collegiate career. This is a great value pick because if Sterns gets healthier, he could perform like he did in his early days at Texas.
2021
Pick 237. (R:7 P:9) - Kary Vincent, CB, LSU
A Grade
Bryce Callahan hasn't been able to stay healthy consistently, so the Broncos did well to find a possible replacement. Kary Vincent Jr. was someone I pegged in the fifth round, so I'm a fan of this value.
A Grade
Bryce Callahan hasn't been able to stay healthy consistently, so the Broncos did well to find a possible replacement. Kary Vincent Jr. was someone I pegged in the fifth round, so I'm a fan of this value.
2021
Pick 239. (R:7 P:11) - Jonathon Cooper, DE, Ohio State
B Grade
I mocked Jonathon Cooper 10 picks later than this, so the value makes sense to me. The Broncos had to find edge-rushing depth, especially considering Von Miller's off-the-field issues. Cooper could contend to start once Miller leaves the team.
B Grade
I mocked Jonathon Cooper 10 picks later than this, so the value makes sense to me. The Broncos had to find edge-rushing depth, especially considering Von Miller's off-the-field issues. Cooper could contend to start once Miller leaves the team.
2021
Pick 253. (R:7 P:25) - Marquiss Spencer, DT, Mississippi State
B+ Grade
Marquiss Spencer makes sense to me as a seventh-round prospect. The Broncos needed defensive line depth after what occurred in November last year when Denver had a slew of injuries on the front. Spencer is a great athlete with nice upside.
B+ Grade
Marquiss Spencer makes sense to me as a seventh-round prospect. The Broncos needed defensive line depth after what occurred in November last year when Denver had a slew of injuries on the front. Spencer is a great athlete with nice upside.