Broncos’ bold predictions in 2026 NFL Draft

It’s going to be a while before the Denver Broncos make their first draft selection. That is, unless they make a trade to move up. But they don’t have a lot of bargaining power. And here are the Broncos’ bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s an unusual assortment of picks. The Broncos have seven selections. However, only one is in the first three rounds. And three are in the seventh round. That’s why trading up will be tough unless they’re willing to dip into the 2027 bag of picks.

The needs are tight end, linebacker, and defensive line.

Broncos will make a move to get TE Eli Stowers

In a perfect world for the Broncos, they would have their first-round pick. They could use that as part of a trade-up to get Kenyon Sadiq. But sitting at No. 62, they don’t have enough options.

Therefore, they need to turn their attention to the second-best tight end on the board. And that is Vanderbilt’s Stowers. His big board rank is No. 53, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Stowers is a natural, versatile athlete with a high usage rate over the past two seasons, projecting to a contributing NFL role,” PFF wrote. “He is best utilized as a backfield or big-slot option rather than as an in-line blocker, where his impact is limited.”

The Broncos need better production at tight end if they are going to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl. This is something that will help quarterback Bo Nix elevate his game in his third NFL season.

But does Stowers have the type of ability? Yes, according to The Athletic.

“An above-average athlete for the position, Stowers attacks defenders’ techniques and uses his quickness to consistently win one-on-one on slants, digs or seam balls,” Dane Brugler wrote. “Because of the quarterback and scheme at Vanderbilt, he was asked to use his burst for quick windows and is unproven in other areas, although he has the speed to be more of a deep threat in a pro-style scheme.

“He delivered mixed results when asked to attack in traffic, but he has reliable hands and fluid adjustment skills. As a blocker, he has questionable physicality and sustain strength but competes when sealing or walling off defenders.

“Stowers will need to prove himself as a serviceable blocker at the NFL level, but he is explosive as a pass catcher, and I love the way he maximizes his catch radius. He has mismatch-creating potential and can eventually develop into an NFL starter.”

Yes, the blocking needs to improve. But early in his career, it will be more about making plays — if he lands with the Bronocs. And this is why the Broncos need to aggressively target Stowers.”

Broncos will package 4th-round picks to move up

This is the deal. The Broncos believe they are Super Bowl champion material. They aren’t worried about building things for 2027. They need the best available talent for the 2026 season.

That means they need to trade picks Nos. 108 and 111 to move up as far as they possibly can. Those picks are No. 8 and No. 11 in the fourth round. So it’s realistic that they could package them and move into the tail end of the third round.

And that’s where they can find a linebacker or a defensive tackle. But who would be on the board at that time? Anthony Hill of Texas would be a linebacker worth seeking. Rayshaun Benny of Michigan would be a defensive tackle to consider.

Hill brings tools to the league, according to The Athletic.

“An impressive size-speed prospect, Hill brings athletic versatility to the field with his range versus the run, speed as a blitzer, and change of direction in coverage,” Burgler wrote. “Though he shows a feel for play development around him, he is more of a decisive “see-ball, get-ball” player than a defender who relies on anticipation. His stack-and-shed efficiency must improve, but he plays with the toughness to evade blocks, carom off contact, and continue his pursuit.

“Hill needs to play with better control in his movements and take-on attempts, but he is a long, rangy athlete with the closing speed to impact the game in different ways. He has three-down starting potential, although volatility should be expected as he continues to develop.”

Nice. But what about Benny? He’s not quite as sturdy as Hill. He could be scheme-dependent, according to NFL.com.

“Benny is a tricky evaluation as a 3-technique,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “He has good length and is consistent entering into block battles. He’s an effective two-gapper who locates the ball-carrier and quickly sheds. On the flip side, he’s not a true wide-body and struggles to drop a sudden anchor when challenged by downhill double teams. He lacks ideal explosiveness and is unlikely to be much of a disruptor.”

So Hill is the better choice. But Benny is a reasonable fallback.