Ranking the Broncos' 2026 Draft Class by Year 1 Impact

J.K. Dobbins is the starter, and RJ Harvey is very likely the primary backup, but there is still a place for Coleman to have an impact. Denver could go with a more three-headed approach at running back this year to help keep Dobbins healthy. 

With Coleman’s power, pass-protection ability, and receiving upside, he could push Harvey out of the backup spot and even into a third-down role. Harvey did well as a receiver, but pass protection is still a concern, even with some improvement there to close out last season.

Then, if Dobbins does get hurt (knock on wood), Coleman seems poised to take over the top spot, and Harvey remains in his role. 

2. Tyler Onyedim | DL 

The Broncos' first pick also has the biggest opportunity to be an impact early on. Onyedim's run defense capabilities open the door for him to be an early-down player, and hence the starter, on the defensive line as a replacement for John Franklin-Myers, and then rotate out with Sai’vion Jones on passing downs. 

Eyioma Uwazurike also plays into the math here, but he didn’t do as well playing in the same spot and was better working off the right side of the line or in the middle. Even if Uwazurike ends up the starter, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Broncos keep six players active on the defensive line, despite keeping five active last year, and figuring out a rotation to help keep Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and Malcolm Roach healthy and fresh for a Super Bowl run. 

3. Justin Joly | TE 

There are many questions about the Broncos' tight end position, but Joly is a capable receiver. With Evan Engram's health issues, there is a way for Joly to see the field.

Joly's receiving chops are developed enough for the Broncos to get him on the field in specific packages. While a high impact isn’t expected, he could push for 20-30 receptions on the season with a handful of touchdowns, as he is a capable red-zone threat. 

4. Dallen Bentley | TE

Again, there are many questions about the tight end position, but Bentley is a unique player who can offer a variety of uses for the Broncos' offense.

Obviously, he has to make the roster first, which isn’t a given. Either way, Bentley will likely get a couple of opportunities due to injuries during the season. 

5. Kage Casey | OL 

Offensive line isn’t a rotational position like running back, defensive line, or even tight end, so Casey doesn’t have a way to see the field, barring injuries. He was brought in to develop at left guard as the future starter, so his way to make an impact is on special teams, and if Ben Powers gets hurt again.

Now, Powers missed most of last season with a biceps injury, but until then, he was an iron man who stayed on the field, so it's safer to bet that he stays healthy this season than the running backs and tight ends. 

6. Red Murdock | LB 

Murdock has a chance to make the roster, and it could be through special teams. Denver does rotate its linebackers some, with Justin Strnad coming out on run downs, but Jonah Elliss is probably in the equation here.

So, barring a lot of injuries at the position, Murdock’s chances at making a year-one impact are on special teams. 

7. Miles Scott | S

Scott is entering his fourth year as a safety, and he still has a lot of growing to do. He seems unlikely to make the roster and is poised to sit on the practice squad and develop for the year.

If Denver suffers multiple injuries at safety, Scott could then end up getting his opportunity, but barring that, it’s unlikely he sees the field.