Broncos' Late-Round Draft Picks Target Depth, Upside

0:00On March 22nd, the Denver Broncos won't pick until late in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft after trading for wide receiver Jalen, Waddle. General manager George Patton has handled the spot before, grabbing strong talent like Nick Bonito in the late second round of 2022, and Marvin Memes Jr., the same way in 2023, both made the Pro Bowl, that trade leaves the team eyeing key needs at Inside Linebacker, tight end, and defensive line heading into next April's draft. Officials see value even without an early pick, building on Payton's track record of late-round gems. Fans and analysts point to thin depth at linebacker after releasing Dre Greenlaw, despite reciting Alex Singleton and Justin Strohnad. The defensive line took a hit, losing John Franklin Myers in free agency, and tight end could use a red zone threat for quarterback Bonix. A recent four-round mantra from NFL.com's Chad Reuter has the Broncos taking Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. at number 62 overall.

1:02In the second round, they follow with Utah, tight end Dalin Bentley at number 108 and Missouri defensive tackle, Chris McClellan at number 111, both in the fourth round. These picks target immediate depth while betting on high upside development, keeping the Broncos competitive as they integrate Waddle and plan ahead.