Denver Broncos Rookie Forecast 2025
Solid Starter
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas – Round 1
The Broncos’ defense was superb in 2024 and did the heavy lifting to get Denver into the postseason. One of the few weaknesses they had was the cornerback position across from Pat Surtain. Riley Moss is developing into a solid starting outside corner, and Barron can be a plug-and-play upgrade at the nickel position for Denver.
For the NFL, Barron is a nickel cornerback who can be a dangerous defender in the middle of the field. Barron has good instincts that put him in a position to make plays. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound Barron will quickly adjust and has ball skills with late hands to break up receptions, and his instincts lead to him making some impressive interceptions. Barron is a gritty player who battles and plays hard. He is also a willing tackler in the ground game.
Barron definitely has some limitations for the NFL. While he has quality size for a nickel, he does not project to be an outside corner. Barron also has speed limitations that could hurt him when running with pro speed receivers. He could struggle to carry verticals and keep fast, wide receivers from beating him over the top. He also lacks burst, twitch, and explosion to play off man coverage. Barron really is fit to be a zone corner playing in the slot, where he can use his vision, instincts, and anticipation to make plays.
Barron’s limitations might keep him from being a boom pick, but I think Barron could turn into a solid starting nickel. With Surtain and Moss, Barron has some veterans to handle speed on the outside and let him focus on the slot corner. Before long, Barron should be a quality starter for Denver.
2023: Bo Nix, QB
2023: Drew Sanders, OLB
2022: Nik Bonitto, OLB
2021: Patrick Surtain, CB
2020: K.J. Hamler, WR
2019: Drew Lock, QB
2018: Courtland Sutton, WR
2017: Demarcus Walker, DE
2016: Devontae Booker, RB
2015: Jeff Heuerman, TE
2014: Lamin Barrow, LB
2013: Sylvester Williams, DE
Most Likely To Bust
Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois – Round 3
The Broncos added some receiver depth and competition in the third round with Bryant. While Denver needs more playmakers for Bo Nix, Bryant showed some limitations for the NFL with a scary slow 40 time at the combine of 4.61 seconds. Bryant lacks the ability to accelerate and is going to have issues separating from NFL cornerbacks. I think Bryant could have a hard time earning playing time over receivers like Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele. Of the Broncos’ early-round picks, Bryant looks like the one who is most likely to bust.
2024: None
2023: None
2022: Greg Dulcich, TE
2021: Baron Browning, LB
2020: McTelvin Agim, DT
2019: Dalton Risner, OT
2018: Isaac Yiadom, CB
2017: Carlos Henderson, WR
2016: Justin Simmons, S
2015: Ty Sambrailo, OT
2014: Bradley Roby, CB
2013: Montee Ball, RB
Potential Boom Pick
R.J. Harvey, RB, UCF – Round 2
The Broncos were expected to take a running back in the first round, but Denver surprised everyone by waiting until the second round. Harvey could be a boom pick for Denver, and sources around the league really liked Harvey as a prospect. Harvey (5-8, 205) was a tough runner at UCF in 2024, and he dominated for the Knights. Harvey averaged 6.8 yards per carry for 1,577 yards and 22 touchdowns. While Harvey is not a huge back, he has a serious burst with instant acceleration and a second gear to explode into the secondary. Harvey has really good vision and natural running instincts to hit the ground running in the NFL.
Harvey should start quickly for Denver after they let Javonte Williams leave in free agency, as he will only have to beat out Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. As soon as his rookie season, Harvey could be the three-down starter and feature back in Sean Payton’s offense. He has serious boom pick potential for Denver.
2024: None
2023: None
2022: None
2021: None
2021: Javonte Williams, RB
2020: Jerry Jeudy, WR
2019: Noah Fant, TE
2018: Bradley Chubb, DE
2017: Garett Bolles, OT
2016: Paxton Lynch, QB
2015: Shane Ray, LB
2014: Cody Latimer, WR
2013: Quanterus Smith, DE
Future Depth Player
Sai’vion Jones, DE, LSU – Round 3
The Broncos’ defensive front seven did not have star players, but they were really good in 2024. While Jones may not end up starting, he could be a solid backup for veteran Zach Allen and provide good rotational reps to help keep Allen fresh. Jones has a good skill set with size and speed, but he never played up to it during his college career. Jones flashed at the SEnior Bowl as well, so perhaps he will be a late bloomer that ends up becoming a starter. At the very least, Jones should be a good rotational backup.
2024: Troy Franklin, WR
2023: Marvin Mims, WR
2022: Damarri Mathis, CB
2021: Caden Sterns, S
2020: Albert Okweugbunam, TE
2019: Dre’Mont Jones, DT
2018: Daesean Hamilton, WR
2017: Brendan Langley, CB
2016: Connor McGovern, G
2015: Max Garcis, C
2014: Corey Nelson, LB
2013: Kayvon Webster, CB
