The Denver Broncos snapped a nine-year postseason drought in Sean Payton’s second year with the team. They rode the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense in EPA and a strong rookie season from Bo Nix to the AFC’s No. 7 seed but could not beat the No. 2 seed Buffalo Bills on the road.
That said, the Broncos should have a better chance to earn their first playoff win since Peyton Manning’s Super Bowl 50 swan song during the upcoming season.
Despite having a top-tier defense, the Broncos invested in two significant back-seven pieces in free agency. They signed safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers to upgrade the team’s playmaking and run-stuffing abilities respectively.
The Broncos also made one major signing on offense. They inked Evan Engram to a two-year deal to upgrade the tight end position and give Nix a middle-of-the-field weapon.
Thanks to these moves, the Broncos have few weaknesses on their roster. Still, Denver needs a true No. 1 running back to head its backfield rotation and could stand to add dynamic playmaking receivers to pair with Nix long-term. As such, the Broncos figure to focus on offense early in the 2025 NFL draft.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Live NFL Draft news, live picks, grades, analysis and more.
How are the Broncos improving their roster during the 2025 NFL draft? Here are USA TODAY Sports’ grades for each of Denver’s selections.
Broncos NFL draft grades
This section will be updated as picks are made.
Round 1, Pick 20: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Almost everyone assumed a back would be the call here given Sean Payton’s insistence that the team build out its backfield. But with an abundance of options later on, Denver can circle back on Day 2 and instead look to extract the most overall value here. It’s easy to see why the Broncos would gravitate toward Barron, an extremely versatile coverage piece who has a knack for finding the ball in an array of scenarios. Barron can take over the nickel role and help reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and Co. counter the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert for years to come.
Denver opts to build on a strength with the versatile Barron. The Longhorns cornerback lined up at multiple spots in the secondary but may end up at nickel in the NFL due to his size (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) and shorter arms. No matter where he lines up, he offers elite speed and ball production. Denver’s secondary gets another starter alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II. They get a slight knock for not addressing needs on offense.
Round 2, Pick 60: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
It’s a bit of a surprise to see the 5-8, 205-pound Harvey be selected ahead of some ball carriers who look better equipped to handle a substantial workload, but clearly Sean Payton saw something in the twitchy threat. Though he has substantial upside as a pass catcher who can help fill the “Joker” role, his rocky showings in protection could limit his usage.
Denver needed an upgrade in the backfield and go for the speedy Harvey. He’s still adjusting to the position after starting his career at quarterback and is one of the older prospects in the class. This feels quite early for him, though, hence the lower grade.
Round 3, Pick 74: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
Boosting Bo Nix is an understandable aim, but it’s difficult to understand how much adding a possession receiver moves the needle. Bryant was taken ahead of several targets who seemingly possess more upside.
Bryant is a possession target with great size who attacks the football in traffic. He’s a physical receiver who, with the Broncos and Sean Payton, harkens back to the likes of Marques Colston. It’s a little early for him but Bryant is a great fit in Denver.
Broncos NFL draft picks
Below is a full list of Denver’s selections in the 2025 NFL draft:
- Round 1, Pick 20: CB Jahdae Barron
- Round 2, Pick 60: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
- Round 3, Pick 74 (From Panthers): Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
- Round 4, Pick 122
- Round 6, Pick 191 (from Cardinals)
- Round 6, Pick 197
- Round 6, Pick 208 (from Eagles)
