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

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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

Without a first-round pick, Denver will target receivers in Round 2. Boston and Concepcion both fit Payton's system. Pregnon solidifies the interior line if he falls. Payton will take the best offensive player available — he's building around Nix for the next decade.

Top Prospect Fits

1. Denzel Boston

WR — Washington

A big-bodied physical chain-mover with strong hands. At 6-2, 210 lbs, Boston's red-zone presence would give Nix a reliable target in contested situations. His size fits Payton's timing-based offense.

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.

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.

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 in Round 2 to maximize Nix's development. The defense can wait.

Betting Analysis

With no first-round pick, Denver's draft strategy shifts to Day 2. Receiver remains the priority — Boston or Concepcion would immediately help Nix. The Broncos traded future capital to Miami, betting on Nix's development. Round 2 needs to hit.