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Re-Grading the Denver Broncos 2025 Draft

Originally posted on Football Analysis | By Aaron Sauter | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 7:40 PM ET

The Denver Broncos entered the 2025 draft with the intention of adding depth on defense and acquiring several archetype players on offense. While the Broncos did not necessarily add a star player to their roster with the 2025 draft, they did accomplish the goals that they had entering the draft. On the other hand, the Broncos first-round pick, Jahdae Barron, failed to earn a starting position on the Broncos’ defense, but he did rotate as a slot corner/nickel and came into the game with the Broncos dime package.

On the offensive side of the ball, second-round draft pick running back R.J. Harvey stepped in as the physical force that Payton needed to boost his running game. Harvey played in all 17 regular-season games and stepped in when running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a foot injury. While Harvey stood out as a powerful force in the red zone and in short-yardage situations, he also demonstrated his ability to serve as a check-down option for quarterback Bo Nix. After scoring 12 touchdowns for the Broncos’ offense in 2025, Harvey is now considered the Broncos’ version of Alvin Kamara, who starred on Payton’s offense in New Orleans.

Denver Broncos 2025 Draft Class

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1	20	Jahdae Barron	CB	Texas
2	60	RJ Harvey	RB	UCF
3	74	Pat Bryant	WR	Illinois
3	101	Sai’vion Jones	DE	LSU
4	134	Que Robinson	OLB	Alabama
6	216	Jeremy Crawshaw	P	Florida
7	241	Caleb Lohner	TE	Utah

Later in the draft, the Broncos did get value from wide receiver Pat Bryant, who pushed for the WR3 position before suffering two concussions, with the latter occurring as he attempted to return from a hamstring injury. In the late rounds of the 2025 draft, the Broncos selected punter Jeremy Crawshaw, who became an effective punter for Denver. Crawshaw received All-Rookie honors, and he finished near the top of the NFL for punts inside the 20-yard line.

On the other hand, the Broncos value less than expected value from defensive end Sai’vion Jones and outside linebacker Que Robinson. Both players showed flashes of the ability needed to be rotational pass rushers and provide the Broncos defensive front with a boost. Denver has labeled Jones a project player on the Broncos’ defense after not earning a full-time position, and Robinson struggled with injuries throughout the first half of the season.

Denver Broncos 2025 Draft Re-Grade = B-

The Broncos did not land a superstar player with their 20th overall pick in the 2025 draft, but the additions of Harvey, Crawshaw, and Bryant did fill some of the holes in the Denver depth chart. Denver opened itself up for criticism by passing on tight end Colston Loveland in favor of adding Barron, who could not beat out any defenders on the Broncos’ defense. Ultimately, the Broncos had one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2025, and during the 2026 draft, the Broncos will need to add more explosive power to their offense.

Make sure that you check out, Re-Grading the Detroit Lions 2025 Draft

This article first appeared on Football Analysis and was syndicated with permission.

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