AFC WestPick: No 1st Round Pick (traded to MIA)

Denver Broncos: 2026 NFL Draft Preview

How They Got Here

The Broncos went 8-9 in Nix's rookie season, then improved to 9-8 in Year 2. The arrow is pointing up. Nix proved he can run Payton's offense efficiently — now he needs the weapons to make plays downfield. Denver is a receiver away from being a legitimate playoff contender.

Team Needs

WROLCB

Denver doesn't have a first-round pick — they traded #30 to Miami for a package that included a 2027 first-rounder. Bo Nix had a solid second year (24 TDs, 10 INTs), but Sean Payton wanted to stockpile future capital rather than add another mid-first prospect. The Broncos will address needs in Rounds 2-3 after a solid 9-8 season that saw Bo Nix take a significant leap in Year 2. Nix threw for 3,612 yards, 24 TDs, and 10 INTs while proving he can be a franchise quarterback in Sean Payton's system. But the supporting cast remains thin — Jerry Jeudy's departure to Cleveland left a void at receiver, and the offensive line needs reinforcement. Payton needs to arm his young QB with weapons.

Draft Outlook

Receiver is the priority. Egbuka and Concepcion both fit Payton's system. If both receivers are gone (unlikely), Pregnon solidifies the interior line. Payton will take the best offensive player available — he's building around Nix for the next decade.

Top Prospect Fits

1. Emeka Egbuka

WR — Ohio State

A polished route-runner with reliable hands who would immediately become Denver's WR1. At 6-1, 205 lbs, Egbuka's consistency fits Payton's timing-based offense. Nix needs a true alpha — Egbuka provides it. Odds: +175 to go #25 (favorite).

2. KC Concepcion

WR — Texas A&M

A premium slot separator with catch-and-run ability. At 5-11, 185 lbs, Concepcion's excellent combine showed the athleticism to be a dynamic weapon. He'd open up the middle of the field for Nix. Odds: +225 to go #25.

3. Emmanuel Pregnon

OG — Oregon

An ultra-physical guard with nasty temperament. At 6-5, 320 lbs, Pregnon's power and movement skills fit Payton's zone-blocking scheme. He'd solidify Denver's interior line. Odds: +300 to go #25.

Draft Strategy

Payton has a history of developing quarterbacks — Drew Brees, now Bo Nix. But even Brees needed weapons. Expect Denver to prioritize a receiver at #25 to maximize Nix's development. The defense can wait.

Betting Analysis

The #25 pick market leans receiver. Egbuka leads at +175, Concepcion at +225, Pregnon at +300. Denver is -150 to draft an offensive skill player in Round 1. Egbuka at +175 is fairly priced — he's exactly what Payton needs. Concepcion at +225 offers slot value if Egbuka goes earlier.