The Denver Broncos are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with a unique set of needs and a flexible draft strategy, they are poised to make some intriguing moves. With no first-round pick and just seven selections, the Broncos are in a position to add key contributors and potentially flip some capital to move up or back in the draft. Here's a breakdown of their potential targets and needs, with a focus on the 'sinister six' players they favor.
Tight End: The Broncos desperately need a young, athletic target for Bo Nix who can be a factor both as a blocker and as a receiver. Evan Engram is a key piece, but his contract is up after this year. The team explored potential upgrades or alternatives in free agency, and the draft offers a chance to find a young talent.
Inside Linebacker: Denver brought back captain Alex Singleton and ascending reserve-turned-starter Justin Strnad on multi-year deals this offseason. However, they cut Dre Greenlaw after an injury-plagued 2025. The Broncos are planning to deploy edge rusher Jonah Elliss inside, but they could still dip into a solid ILB class and take a high-upside 'backer who can play behind and alongside Denver's starting duo in 2026 while developing for the future.
Running Back: On paper, the Broncos' one-two punch of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey is solid. However, Denver's rushing attack cratered after Dobbins' season-ending injury last year. They'll be looking to add a third RB as either a change-of-pace upgrade from veteran Jaleel McLaughlin or a third-down upgrade from Tyler Badie.
Offensive Line: As presently constructed, Denver will roll the same starting front out for the third straight year. However, the Broncos haven't once pursued high-end draft talent on their offensive front in the Payton era, instead preferring to develop seventh-round picks and undrafted free agents. Starting left guard Ben Powers is entering the final year of his deal, and tackles Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey have both cleared 30.
Safety: Veteran Brandon Jones is entering the final year of his contract, and starter Talanoa Hufanga had been frequently bitten by the injury bug before playing in every game last year for Denver. Offseason signee Tycen Anderson profiles as more of a special-teams ace, and a young piece here would make a lot of sense.
The Broncos have honed in on the crop available between roughly Nos. 40 to 75 on their board, and they favor six players in particular. These include DT Caleb Banks, OT Travis Burke, LB Kyle Louis, G Emmanuel Pregnon, TE Eli Stowers, and RB Mike Washington Jr. Each of these players has unique traits and potential, and the Broncos are exploring high-upside offensive linemen and evaluating both top-end and sleeper talent across the defensive line.
In terms of running backs, the Broncos are keeping an eye on Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, who might be the best outright player in the draft. However, there's an unusually steep drop to the next tier of running-back options, a glut that stretches anywhere from the back of the first round to the back of Day 3. The team is also evaluating young depth in this class, with quarterbacks coach Logan Kilgore hopping on Zoom calls with several prospects.
Overall, the Broncos are in a strong position to add key contributors and potentially flip some capital to move up or back in the draft. With a flexible strategy and a unique set of needs, they are poised to make some intriguing moves and build a competitive team for the 2026 season.
