Five Broncos Who Could Make Their First Pro Bowl in 2026

The Denver Broncos saw several players break through on a national level in 2025, as Garett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, and Zach Allen each earned their first Pro Bowl selections. It marked a step forward for a roster that has steadily improved over the past few seasons – and one that may not be done producing first-time honorees.

Projecting first-time Pro Bowlers is never just about talent – it’s about opportunity, role, and visibility. Production matters, but so does narrative, team success, and the ability to deliver in moments that resonate beyond the box score. With that in mind, here are five Broncos who could be next in line to earn their first Pro Bowl nod in 2026:

5. J'aQuan McMillian

J'aQuan McMillian has quietly developed into one of the more reliable pieces in Denver’s secondary. Across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, he has tallied six interceptions, and in 2025 alone, he recorded two interceptions, four sacks, and two forced fumbles – highlighting the variety of ways he can impact a game. While he may not yet carry national recognition, his trajectory suggests that could change.

For McMillian, the path to a Pro Bowl lies in turning that versatility into more consistent, high-end production. Slot cornerbacks rarely break through on a single dominant stat, which places greater emphasis on stacking impact plays across multiple areas. If he can push his interception total into the four-to-five range while continuing to contribute as a blitzer and run defender, his case would become much stronger.

That path is less about gaudy totals and more about visibility. McMillian has already shown the ability to capitalize in high-leverage moments, including an overtime interception against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round last season that helped swing the game. If he continues to stack game-changing plays like that, his case becomes difficult to ignore.

4. Jonathan Cooper

Jonathan Cooper has steadily carved out a role as a dependable presence along the Broncos’ defensive front. Over the past three seasons, he has recorded 27 sacks, including a double-digit sack campaign in 2024 that demonstrated his ability to finish plays at a high level. That kind of production gives him a legitimate foundation to build on, even as he is often overshadowed by two-time Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto.

The next step for Cooper is turning that production into a true breakout season. While he has already proven he can reach double-digit sacks, he will likely need to push beyond that threshold – potentially reaching 12 sacks by the time voting takes place – to firmly enter the Pro Bowl conversation. Edge rushers are often judged by their ability to consistently generate impact plays, and that level of output would be difficult to overlook.

Continuity could work in his favor as well. Remaining in a familiar system allows Cooper to refine his approach and build on what he’s already established. If that translates into a career-best season, he could find himself firmly in the Pro Bowl conversation.

3. J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins’ career has been defined as much by resilience as it has by potential. In 2025, he averaged five yards per carry and was on pace for over 1,300 rushing yards before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in Week 10. When healthy, his production has consistently pointed toward high-end output.

If Dobbins can stay on the field for a full season, the numbers could follow naturally. Running backs still earn recognition through volume and efficiency, and he has already shown the ability to deliver both. In an offense that looks to establish balance, his role could be significant.

There’s also a compelling narrative at play. If Dobbins returns to form and produces at that level while Denver contends for the AFC’s top seed, it would be difficult to overlook his impact. In that scenario, both his production and his story would work in his favor. If he stays healthy, his path to a Pro Bowl nod is as clear as anyone on this list.

2. Bo Nix

Bo Nix enters the 2026 season with expectations that extend beyond development. In 2025, he threw for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns, building on a strong start to his career that has already resulted in 24 regular-season wins across his first two seasons. Despite being named a Pro Bowl alternate in both 2024 and 2025, he was unable to participate in either exhibition, leaving him without an official Pro Bowl nod on his résumé.

What works against Nix is the level of competition at the position. Quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Drake Maye all factor into the Pro Bowl conversation, making it difficult to break through without a strong team résumé. That reality raises the bar for what his season needs to look like.

For Nix, the formula is relatively clear. He will likely need to surpass 4,000 passing yards and reach at least 30 touchdowns while keeping the Broncos in contention for the AFC’s No. 1 seed when voting takes place. If both the individual production and team success align, he’ll have a legitimate case despite the crowded field.

1. Jaylen Waddle

It’s somewhat surprising that Jaylen Waddle has yet to earn a Pro Bowl selection despite his production. He already has three 1,000-yard seasons to his name, including a 1,356-yard, eight-touchdown campaign in 2022. Even that level of output wasn’t enough to break through in a crowded field.

That season also highlights some of the contextual factors that worked against him. The Miami Dolphins finished 9-8 and entered the playoffs as a No. 7 seed, limiting team-driven momentum. Waddle was also sharing the spotlight with Tyreek Hill, which likely impacted his recognition as the second option in one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks.

If Waddle delivers a similar statistical season in 2026 while playing a central role in a winning offense, it will be much harder to leave him off the roster. His explosiveness and ability to produce big plays already stand out. Pair that with stronger team success and a clearer WR1-type impact, and his first Pro Bowl selection could finally follow.