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: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
There’s no logical reason to re-sign Alex Singleton, 32 and No. 28 in PFSN’s LB Impact Score, again. Enter Allen, who can run with running backs in pass coverage in addition to stopping the run.
Round 2, Pick 62: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
While re-signing John Franklin-Myers, 29, keeps the defensive line quartet alive, it’s unlikely he returns to Denver. So, four and a half sacks need to be replaced. The combination of newly signed Malcolm Roach and Banks can do that. Planning ahead, though, Banks may marinate for a season before replacing D.J. Jones. So, by 2027, it’s Roach, Banks, and Zach Allen starting in 3-4 base defense.
Round 3, Pick 94: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Branch is the Marvin Mims Jr. replacement. The latter is likely to walk in free agency after 2026. Mims Jr. didn’t break out in Year 2, and the Broncos have drafted two more wide receivers since acquiring him. Give Branch a year to marinate, which most wide receivers need. Rookie receivers — typically — need a year to polish their route-running and learn how to beat man coverage.
Then in 2027, the wide receiver room is Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Branch.
Round 4, Pick 103: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
This extra fourth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints is coming in the perfect year. It’s so close to the end of the third round that the Broncos may be able to eke out an extra starter.
Shelton, meanwhile, can marinate for a season before challenging Mike McGlinchey for his starting right tackle slot in 2027. Releasing McGlinchey in 2027 nets the Broncos roughly $15 million. And by 2027, Bo Nix will be eligible for a contract extension. So, the Broncos will be looking to save money anywhere they can before then.
Round 4, Pick 130: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
Now — squarely in the cost-effective backup contract part of the draft — enter Singleton, the J.K. Dobbins replacement. The former is the poor man’s version of RJ Harvey, with whom he can alternate drives with. Singleton, with a 73.6 RB Impact Score, would be a subpackage starter/cost-effective backup contract hybrid. Most NFL offenses feature two running backs; one for 11 and 21 personnel, one for 12 and 13 personnel.
Round 5, Pick 170: Bud Clark, S, TCU
With P.J. Locke set to be a free agent in 2026, Clark, with an 88.5 CB Impact Score, is a No. 4 safety. The latter will have an opportunity to compete for playing time in big nickel and big dime, though because he played cornerback in college.
Round 7, Pick 244: Dane Key, WR, Nebraska
Special teams player playing for a practice squad slot.
Round 7, Pick 253: Cameron Calhoun, CB, Alabama
Special teams player playing for a practice squad slot.
Round 7, Pick 254: Cameron Robertson, EDGE, SMU
Special teams player playing for a practice squad slot.
To create your own mock draft, go to PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
