The future in Denver is looking bright. The Broncos solidified their future at quarterback by selecting Bo Nix with the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With franchise quarterback in place, seasoned head coach Sean Payton at the helm, and a dynamic young defense led by 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, the stage is set for success.
While Denver is clearly trending in the right direction, there are still key moves needed to elevate the team to true Super Bowl contention. One of the biggest priorities this offseason is surrounding Nix with more offensive weapons, which the Broncos address in this seven-round mock draft.
Denver Broncos 7-round NFL Mock Draft
Denver’s biggest need entering the offseason is at tight end, as no player at the position recorded more than 13 receptions during the regular season. Michigan’s Colston Loveland could be the solution, as he is widely regarded as the top receiving tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. An elite athlete for the position, Loveland consistently makes tough catches in traffic and possesses the quickness to create matchup problems at the next level. If he had stayed healthy and played with a more consistent quarterback, he would likely still be considered the draft’s top tight end, as he was heading into the season.
The Broncos could lose leading rusher Javonte Williams in free agency, and even if he returns, his durability remains a concern. While Denver might be tempted to trade up for Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a more realistic option is selecting North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in the second round. Hampton is a powerful runner who led the nation in rushing yards after contact in 2023 and finished second overall in total rushing yards this past season. Additionally, he is a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield, having caught 73 passes during his collegiate career.
5 TDs. 253 all-purpose yards.
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) November 2, 2024
OMARION HAMPTON, EVERYBODY 😳👏
📺 @accnetwork x @UNCFootball
pic.twitter.com/8A0ZNTd7a6
Offensive tackle may not be a top priority for Denver, but Sean Payton finds LSU’s Emery Jones Jr. too tempting to pass up at this spot. Once considered a potential top-10 pick, Jones saw his draft stock slip following an underwhelming 2024 season. However, his strength and work ethic suggest he could develop into a quality starter with improved technique.
Denver had one of the NFL’s best defenses in 2024, allowing just 317 yards per game (7th in the league). However, strong safety remains a position of need. Alabama’s Malachi Moore, a second-team All-American, has the versatility to play both safety spots and represents great value in the fourth round.
The Broncos already have a strong receiving core with Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele, and Marvin Mims Jr., but adding depth is a priority on Day 3. Illinois’ Pat Bryant fits the mold of a Denver wide receiver at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds. He also has a knack for making clutch plays, being the only player in the nation with three game-winning touchdowns in the final two minutes or overtime during the 2024 regular season.
PAT BRYANT FOR 6. 😤@duvalpat3 x @IlliniFootball
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 7, 2023
📺: FS1/@CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/mHOYdYB5e6
Denver’s defensive line played a crucial role in the team’s success, but long-term depth is a concern, with their top four interior linemen entering contract years. Notre Dame’s Howard Cross III is a quick and disruptive defensive tackle who notched four sacks in 2024.
With their final pick in the draft, the Broncos select Florida linebacker Shemar James. A fast and athletic defender, James should contribute immediately on special teams while providing depth to Denver’s linebacker unit.