With the 2026 NFL draft a little over three weeks away, it’s natural to looks at the Broncos picks and wonder just what they’re going to do when Roger Goodell walks across the stage and kickstarts that countdown clock. Let’s be honest, the 2026 offseason has had all the intrigue of an annual family reunion with a number of former Broncos choosing to sign short extensions. Were it not for the trade acquisition of Jalen Waddle from Miami, Denver would still be waiting for an official signal the Broncos offseason had started.
However, because of the Waddle trade, it’s going to be another one of those drafts where, with a brief round 2 exception, the Broncos sit on their hands until until Day 3. Unlike those previous drafts, though, Denver’s roster got them to the AFC Championship game and the Waddle acquisition may just be be the piece that pushes them the rest of the way in 2026.
After recent drafts were decimated by traded picks thanks to the Russell Wilson and Sean Payton’s trades, Broncos Country can settle into long waits on Day 1 and Day 2. In fact, feel free to make plans for Day 1, the Broncos sent that pick to Miami for Waddle. Day 2 is a little more exciting with Denver slotting their first pick in round 2, 62nd overall… but that’s it for Day 2. On the 3rd and final day of the draft, the Broncos will finally be full participants in all but the 6th round, with two picks in the 4th, 108 and 111 overall, pick 170 in the 5th round, and three picks in the 7th round, 246, 256, and 257.
Despite not having picks in nearly half the rounds, it appears that the Broncos are poised to walk away from the draft in Pittsburgh with seven new selections. Of course, it can almost be guaranteed that the Broncos will not stand still and pick exactly where they are currently slotted. There will certainly be some maneuvering and picks may be dealt or gained, but such is the exciting nature of the NFL draft.
What will the Broncos do with those 7 draft picks they’ve currently got in their pocket? There are still undeniable needs at TE, ILB, DL and it would be shocking if Denver didn’t add a RB at some point. Could there be more players traded? There are still moves to be made before training camp opens in July. It’s entirely possible that the Jalen Waddle trade may not be the high-water mark of this offseason. Or it’s not. We’ll find out in a few weeks when the Raiders kick it off with likely a catastrophic selection that will set their franchise even further back for, hopefully, decades to come.
