4 Bold (But Smart) Broncos Draft Predictions

Inside linebacker might be the biggest need on defense, given the Broncos' lack of experienced players behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. But while some mock drafts have picked a linebacker in the second round, it's not a given that the Broncos will do that.

Baron Browning and Drew Sanders were both originally drafted to be inside linebackers. Now, the Broncos don't have a third-round pick, but they could opt to take a linebacker in the fourth round or possibly trade up to select one near the end of the third.

The same holds true for tight end, a position one might say is a bigger need on offense than running back. Greg Dulcich was taken in the third round, so it doesn't seem likely the Broncos will take a tight end in the second.

But one can't rule out the Broncos using a fourth-round pick on a tight end. With this tight end class, it's probably best to wait until the fourth to take one, anyway.

3. Likely to take a cornerback at some point.

We haven't talked about the Broncos history of drafting cornerbacks, but it's worth noting that, ever since Paton became general manager, the Broncos have taken a cornerback in each year.

Patrick Surtain II, Damarri Mathis, Riley Moss, Kris Abrams-Draine, and Jahdae Barron have been among the Broncos' draft picks in the past five seasons. The Broncos have bought into the belief that you can never have too many cornerbacks.

And with Moss and Ja'Quan McMillan set to become unrestricted free agents in 2027, it wouldn't be surprising if the Broncos take a cornerback this year. That player might be depth at best, but depth is always important.

4. Fourth-round picks are most likely to be involved in a trade up or down the board.

While the Broncos aren't ruling out a trade up in the second round, doing so would come at a cost that might be higher than they'd like to pay. However, trading up from No. 108 in the fourth round might not be as high.

The Broncos could be prepared to give up their fifth-round pick to package with pick No. 108 to move into a later spot in the third if they see a player they want and aren't convinced he'll be there on Day 3.

As for pick No. 111, that's a spot in which the Broncos might be prepared to trade down. Doing so would allow them to gain another Day 3 pick and allow them to further fill out the depth chart.

We've seen the Broncos trade up under Paton and Payton, and we've seen them trade down — and back in 2021, they made a move up the board and a move down. If it happens this year, though, those fourth-round picks appear to be the most likely spots from which they'll move up or down.