You add your team’s needs through free agency and draft the best player available during the NFL Draft. Best player available rarely meets a need, but it’s hard to beat when it does. That’s what’s likely to happen for the Denver Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 30: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
Left guard Ben Powers is going to be on the last year of his deal in 2026, and he’s played in just five games this season. The dead cap hit — roughly $9.7 million — is higher than the savings — roughly $8.6 million. But the Broncos can post-June 1 the cut and save $13 million and split the dead cap hit into two seasons. Bisontis is the Powers replacement.
Round 2, Pick 62: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
Ramsey is the P.J. Locke replacement. As a rookie, the former will play on big nickel and big dime before taking over for fellow safety Brandon Jones in 2027.
Round 3, Pick 94: Mateen Ibirogba, DT, Wake Forest
Ibirogba will help replace 3-4 DE John Franklin Myers, who is No. 27 in PFSN’s DT Impact Score — and an impending free agent. The latter lines up at defensive tackle in nickel and dime. Newly extended 3-4 DE Malcolm Roach will help as well.
Round 4, Pick 103: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Most rookie wide receivers need a season to polish their route running and to learn how to beat man coverage. So, Saratt will slide in behind fellow wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., and Pat Bryant. Mims Jr. will play out the string on the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 before Saratt challenges for starter player offensive snaps in 2027.
Round 4, Pick 130: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
Hemby is the J.K. Dobbins replacement. He’ll spell RJ Harvey in the latter’s second season. Hemby totals a 79.2 RB Impact Score as well.
Round 5, Pick 170: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Stowers is an asymmetrical bet at tight end. He’s a No. 3 TE for the Broncos who can marinate for a season before seeing if he can replace fellow TE Evan Engram. The draft is basically over after Round 5, so the next three picks are special teams players trying to make the practice squad.