Happy Halloween, Broncos Country. The end of October is here, and the halfway point of college football season is upon us. That makes it the right time to do my annual Mocktober installment for my Future Broncos series.
The Broncos are projected to have nine picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. It’s expected they will earn a fourth-round compensatory pick for John Franklin-Myers. Additionally, they’ll receive a seventh-round pick from the Saints to finalize the Devaughn Vele trade.
Based on their current record
and strength of schedule, the Broncos are slated to pick 27th next April. This is sort of no man’s land for picking in the first round. I used Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator to help with the exercise, used their consensus board for player rankings, and adhered to their trade calculator. And yes—I did make two big trades to get playmakers for Denver.
27th Overall, First Round — Carter Smith, OT — Indiana
I’ve discussed several first-round options for the Broncos in earlier segments such as Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles, Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson, Minnesota offensive lineman Greg Johnson, and Georgia linebacker Chris Cole. None of them were available when I was on the clock.
That being said, I still view offensive line as a premier need for Denver. Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey won’t be around forever. Plus, the Broncos could use more talent across the board. This pick might probably will come off as a mild reach to a lot of folks, but Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith would be a good selection for the Broncos. I think he is a prospect who will gain a lot of steam leading up to April.
Smith (6’5”, 310 pounds) has manned down the Hoosiers left tackle position since 2023. Playing over 3,000 snaps, he boasts a lot of experience and will finish his decorated collegiate career with over 50 starts at the position. His coaches laud him for his leadership and toughness. Moreover, the tape shows a player who is disciplined and is great at pass protection and run blocking.
The big question surrounding Smith, as well as some other top offensive linemen in this year’s class, is if they have the requisite length to stick at tackle instead of moving to the outside. That doesn’t concern me too much, because his technique is outstanding.
Head Coach Sean Payton has continuously stated he values experience and positional versatility when scouting offensive lineman. Smith checks all those boxes and gives the Broncos a potential high-end starter at multiple positions. What’s not to like?
47th Overall, Second Round — Luke Reynolds, Tight End — Virginia Tech
It wouldn’t be a fun Halloween mock draft without projecting the trade. In this scenario, I have Denver sending their second-round selection (#59), their fourth-round compensatory pick for Franklin-Myers (#135), and a future fourth-round pick in 2028 to the Dallas Cowboys. It seems like a logical move, since the Cowboys could use a little bit more draft capital.
Finding an impact tight end is a big desire for Broncos Country. A player I discussed early on in the process was Virginia Tech tight end Luke Reynolds. I predicted back in September he would gain steam and wind up being a Top 50 selection. I still think that happens.
The junior standout has continued to play at a high level. He now has 50 catches, 493 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns in eight games for the Hokies. Overall, Reynolds is well-rounded player that can make a difference inline a run blocker and be versatile and legitimate threat in Denver’s passing game.
Last year, over half a dozen went off on the board during Day 2. If Denver wants to upgrade the position via the draft, they’ll have to make a move early on to get one of the best prospects. I think sending off a few extra Day 3 picks to snag a prospect of Reynolds’ caliber would be well worth it.
60th Overall, Second Round — Reed Harris, WR — Arizona State
Now, the fun is just getting started. Perhaps you think it’s not realistic to see Denver be big time draft day movers up the board twice on Day 2. After all, Denver has maneuvered down the board recently. They basically had to since they’ve been without first round picks for three of five seasons and needed to recoup ammo.
That’s all fine and dandy, but let’s face it—finding a potential replacement for Courtland Sutton has to be on their radar. He hasn’t made much of a difference this year at all. Moreover, he carries a substantial cap hit next season. Though that’s not the only reason they should make an early investment at the position.
Jaylen Waddle hasn’t made a big impact in his first season with the team. Unfortunately, Pat Bryant has been injured, Marvin Mims Jr. is a free agent, and next year is the last of Troy Franklin’s rookie contract. I have no doubt the Broncos’ brass will be looking to add more weapons to improve their offensive production. They need a needle mover at the position.
For this trade, I sent #92 in the third round, #162 in the fifth round, a 2028 third-round pick to snag #60 from the Cleveland Browns. That’s a big price to pay, but to target a player who is a favorite fit of mine for Denver, I felt it was worth it.
Earlier this month, I highlighted Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris. He has continued to impress since then and now has 47 catches for a conference leading 800 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. Harris is coming off a 6 catch, 147-yard performance against Kansas State last Saturday.
There’s no doubt #3 is easily one of the best contested catch and deep ball receivers in this year’s draft. He lines up with Payton’s size desires (6’5”, 220 pounds) and would give Denver a dynamic threat who could help them out immediately as a rookie.
Quite honestly, he likely won’t be on the board late in the second round. But for the purposes of this exercise, I had to pounce when I saw he was still available. Three picks in, three long-term issues addressed on offense which has been Denver’s biggest issue in 2026.
Day 3 Selections
128th Overall, Fourth Round: Jyaire Hill, CB — Michigan
Hill has been a mainstay in the Wolverines secondary the past three seasons and a productive player. In over thirty games as a starter, the senior standout has 112 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions. I was surprised he was ranked so lowly on their board.
He’s got good size (6’2″, 190 pounds) and covers well from both man and zone. I think he’s a good fit for Vance Joseph’s defense with true boundary potential. Adding to the secondary makes sense with a lot of starting players with their contracts running out in the next two seasons.
208th Overall, Sixth Round: Drayk Bowen, LB — Notre Dame
Bowen has been a productive starting linebacker for the Fighting Irish. He has played in 47 games and notched 197 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks to date. He won’t be a premier playmaker in coverage, but his high football IQ, toughness in run support, and special team’s ability would make him a valuable addition to Denver’s linebacking corps. He reminds me quite a bit of Josey Jewell.
229th Overall, Seventh Round (via New Orleans): Sheridan Wilson, C — Texas Tech
Wilson is a fifth-year senior who has started at the pivot for the Red Raiders since 2024. He will finish his collegiate career with nearly 3,000 snaps. As noted earlier, Payton values experience and Wilson has a lot of it. He is also regarded as one of the best pass blocking centers in this year’s class. With Alex Forsyth in the last year of his contract and Luke Wattenberg’s up-and-down play, finding a developmental prospect at center would be wise for the Broncos.
245th Overall, Seventh Round: Dallas Afalava, DT — Wake Forest
Afalava started his career at Idaho, but took his talents to Wake Forest to battle tougher talent in the ACC. At 6’2” and 295 pounds, he isn’t the biggest defensive lineman. However, he makes up for that being quick disrupter off the line of scrimmage. The Demon Deacons move him all over their defensive front and his low center of gravity and initial burst give opposing offensive lineman fits. He is also a core special team’s player for them. I’m always in favor of adding competition to the trenches.
What do you think, Broncos Country?
Would you be a fan of a draft like this for the Broncos? If not, who are some of the players that are high on your wish list for Denver in the 2027 NFL Draft? Let me know in the comments section.
