You add your team’s needs through free agency and draft the best player available during the NFL Draft. So, this mock draft is a byproduct of what the Denver Broncos will do during free agency. Entering the draft, there’ll be no needs on the roster as free agency will have already happened. It’s a subtle shift in thinking when reading mock drafts. Let’s go.
Round 1, Pick 32: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
That said, the Broncos will more than likely draft McDonald in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft if he’s available. Interior defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers most likely walks in free agency. Or the Broncos would’ve already re-signed him, with an already-existing contract year accounted for. Interior defensive lineman isn’t a pressing need in free agency for the Broncos, so McDonald will pair with interior defensive linemen Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and Malcolm Roach.
Broncos general manager George Paton stacks strength on strength with the McDonald pick. Another position under consideration in the first round is guard. Everything is tacit knowledge. So, after guard Ben Powers is cut, his replacement makes more sense via the draft as opposed to being another high-priced free agent. Powers has appeared in five games this season and is expendable.
Round 2, Pick 64: Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
Maybe the Broncos’ splash acquisition this offseason is a three-down running back. Johnson totals a 95.9 RB Impact Score. Consider him the Mark Ingram to RJ Harvey’s Alvin Kamara in Sean Payton’s offense. Here’s a fun fact: Ingram and Kamara both totaled over 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2017 on the New Orleans Saints during the latter’s rookie season. Both RBs totaled more than 55 receptions as well, so this pick will help the Broncos’ passing game, too.
Round 3, Pick 96: Brian Parker II, OG, Duke
If the Broncos don’t draft a guard in the first round, don’t expect them to leave the starter rounds — Rounds 1-3 — without one. Parker II is a Day 1 starter that can take over for Powers in 2026.
Round 4, Pick 107: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU
With LB Alex Singleton set to be a free agent, Weeks is a candidate to replace him. Backer is the least important position on defense nowadays, so this borderline starter pick is high enough to obtain a cost-effective starting linebacker through the draft. Case in point: Weeks totals a 76.7 LB Impact Score.
Round 4, Pick 132: Keon Sabb, S, Alabama
With P.J. Locke set to be a free agent in 2026, Sabb is a cost-effective backup in the safeties room.
Round 5, Pick 172: Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech
Rivers is a depth wide receiver that’ll marinate for a season, working on route running and beating press-man coverage. In 2027, he’ll replace Marvin Mims Jr. as the No. 4 WR on the depth chart.
Round 7, Pick 246: Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech
Dart throw at one of the five important positions (QB, Pass rush, WR, CB, LT).
Round 7, Pick 253: Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
Another dart throw at a premium position.
Round 7, Pick 254: Collin Wright, CB, Stanford
And the last dart throw. This is likely a practice squad player trying to get on the active roster on special teams.
