The 2025 NFL Draft is approaching and the Denver Broncos have the 20th pick. This is a breakdown of their team needs and potential players they could select in the Draft.
State of the Union
The Broncos had a great 2024-25 season. In year two under Sean Payton and year one with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, they exceeded expectations and made the playoffs. They couldn’t quite contend with the Bills once they got to that stage, but it was a great first season for Nix. Nix was overshadowed by Jayden Daniels, but in a lot of other seasons, he could have been the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Broncos had the league’s best defense last season, and they just need an elite offense to pair with that so they can contend.
Bo Nix might not be on the level of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, but he has shown flashes that he could progress to being a top-tier NFL quarterback. The Broncos need to add some skill position talent to make life easier for Nix going forward. They also need to continue to re-invest in the defense to make sure there is no drop off from how great they were last season. If Payton and Nix can grow their relationship and continue to develop the young quarterback, the Broncos will have high expectations to build an elite roster while the quarterback is still on rookie money.
Potential Departures
LB Cody Barton – Cody Barton was signed on a one-year deal during the 2024-25 season and was a solid performer. He played a consistent role in the league’s top defense and if the Broncos could get him back on a cheap deal, they would love to keep him.
RB Javonte Williams – Javonte Williams’ rookie deal with the Broncos is up and Denver is unlikely to keep him. Williams was a solid performer for Denver over the last couple of years, but he was not enough of a standout to demand a big contract. Denver drafted Audric Estime out of Notre Dame last season, so they could be looking for him to join Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield next season.
Team Needs
Pass Catchers – The Broncos exceeded expectations in Bo Nix’s rookie year by making the playoffs. They have a top-level defense and a developing quarterback, but they need more skill position talent. If they want to help Nix develop, they need to make his life easier with better targets to throw to. Courtland Sutton is still a great receiver, but he is starting to age, and nobody else on the roster stepped up to the plate last season. Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele have shown flashes, but the Broncos need to bring in a legit WR1/2 to go alongside Sutton. They also need help at tight end to help Nix with short routes.
Defensive Tackle – The Broncos have a great defense, but they could use some help on the interior defensive line. They have a great secondary, but they did get hurt some trying to stop the run. That was evidenced against the Bills in the playoffs, who gashed them on the ground. They should address this in the draft, where there is a great defensive tackle class.
Potential Draft Picks
TE Colston Loveland (Michigan) – Colston Loveland was a standout tight end at Michigan and should be ready to be an immediate impact player in the NFL. Loveland is a great pass-catcher but can also block and do everything you would want from a tight end. He would be a great big target for Bo Nix, who could be a Travis Kelce-type receiver while also being a solid blocker.
WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) – If the Broncos want to take a receiver rather than a tight end, Egbuka would be a great choice. He was always outshined by players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, but on most teams in the country he would have been the clear #1 receiver. Egbuka is very experienced and is a great route runner with consistent hands. He could immediately be an every-down target for Nix across from Sutton.
DT Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) – Walter Nolen is one of the great defensive tackles in this year’s draft class. Nolen was a consensus All-American last season and has the body to be a Week 1 starter next season. Nolen has shown he can be incredibly productive, and he also has all the physical and mental traits to make him a great NFL player. He could be a force on the interior defensive line in Denver with a great defense around him.
