Denver Broncos (Last Year: 10-7)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: Sean Payton said it – his team needs to upgrade the lackluster running game. Denver’s roster is stacked, but running back and No. 2 receiver are the two glaring positions of need. With so few needs, Denver could trade up for Ashton Jeanty.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Broncos shocked everyone when they passed on all the second-tier running backs at No. 20 and selected Jahdae Barron instead. This was the correct decision, as an upgrade at cornerback is much more impactful, especially when considering that viable running backs can be found in any round.
Denver used its next pick on a running back, though R.J. Harvey was a reach at No. 60. Wide receiver Pat Bryant was an even greater reach 14 picks later. Bryant was a sixth-round prospect at best, so it’s unclear why the Broncos used a second-day selection on him.
The Broncos made some nice choices on Saturday, particularly with their two edge rushers, Sai’Vion Jones and Que Robinson. However, they weren’t enough to make up for the two blunders Denver made on Friday night. The Broncos had great momentum from free agency, but this underwhelming draft class put that to a halt.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
20. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas – A+ Grade
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!
60. R.J. Harvey, RB, Central Florida – D Grade
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
74. Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois – MILLEN Grade
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.
101. Sai’Vion Jones, DE, LSU – A- Grade
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.
134. Que Robinson, DE/OLB, Alabama – B- Grade
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.
216. Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida – B Grade
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.
241. Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah – B Grade
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.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
NFL Power Rankings - March 28
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
