Grading Every Broncos Pick from the 2026 NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos entered the 2026 NFL Draft in unfamiliar territory. For the first time since 1995, the Broncos did not hold a selection in either the first or second round, largely due to their blockbuster move to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. Denver then traded back from No. 62 to No. 66, officially falling out of the second round.

Despite the lack of premium draft capital, the Broncos made the most of their opportunities. Denver consistently targeted positions of need while uncovering strong value throughout the middle and late rounds. When viewed as a whole, this class reflects a disciplined approach that could quietly pay dividends sooner rather than later.

Round 3, Pick 66: Tyler Onyedim, DL, Texas A&M

Tyler Onyedim’s versatility immediately stands out, as he has the ability to line up at both defensive tackle and defensive end. That flexibility makes him a logical replacement for John Franklin-Myers, who departed in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans. While he may not possess a single dominant trait, he also enters the league without any glaring weaknesses in his game, and his 2025 production (48 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks) reflects a steady, well-rounded presence.

Some may argue the Broncos reached at No. 66, but context matters here. Onyedim was unlikely to remain on the board until Denver’s next pick at No. 108, making the selection more justifiable. In that light, this feels like a steady, need-based addition with a relatively safe projection.

Grade: B

Round 4, Pick 108: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Jonah Coleman checks nearly every box you look for in a mid-round running back. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry across his collegiate career and posted 1,000 or more yards from scrimmage in each of his final three seasons. His combination of vision, balance, and production makes him one of the best value picks in the Broncos’ 2026 draft class.

Beyond early-down production, Coleman offers legitimate third-down upside thanks to his receiving ability and pass-blocking prowess. He also provides critical insurance behind J.K. Dobbins, whose durability remains a question mark. With comparisons to Maurice Jones-Drew, Denver may have landed a difference-maker well outside the top 100.

Grade: A

Round 4, Pick 111: Kage Casey, OL, Boise State

Kage Casey brings an intriguing blend of durability and pass protection efficiency to the Broncos’ offensive line room. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just six sacks across 1,351 collegiate snaps and did not surrender a single sack in 2024. That level of consistency provides a strong foundation to build on at the next level.

Denver plans to transition Casey inside to guard, where he projects more naturally. If that move sticks, he could eventually develop into a replacement for Ben Powers at left guard in 2027, while also offering depth behind Garrett Bolles at left tackle. The versatility and long-term outlook make this a sensible pick.

Grade: B

Round 5, Pick 152: Justin Joly, TE, NC State

Justin Joly gives the Broncos a potential long-term answer at tight end, especially with Evan Engram set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. His production and reliability as a pass catcher stand out, highlighted by just one drop on 50 catchable targets in 2025. He also averaged 10 yards per reception and hauled in seven touchdowns that season.

For his collegiate career, Joly totaled 166 receptions for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns, underscoring his consistency. The primary concern is his in-line blocking, which could limit his early usage. However, if he develops in that area, he has a clear path to meaningful snaps as early as 2026.

Grade: A-

Round 7, Pick 246: Miles Scott, S, Illinois

Miles Scott’s background as a former wide receiver shows up in his ball skills, giving him an intriguing foundation as a safety. Across his collegiate career, he recorded seven pass deflections, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, and a sack. That versatility could help him carve out a role on defense and special teams.

There’s also a potential path to relevance given roster turnover. With P.J. Locke departing for the Dallas Cowboys, Scott could compete for depth snaps in the secondary. For a seventh-round pick, the combination of traits and opportunity makes this a worthwhile gamble.

Grade: B-

Round 7, Pick 256: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Dallen Bentley is a bit more of a projection compared to Joly, but there are still traits worth developing. He caught just three passes across the 2023 and 2024 seasons before breaking out in 2025 with 48 receptions for 620 yards and six touchdowns. That late surge gives Denver something tangible to work with from a developmental standpoint.

His ability to make the 53-man roster will likely hinge on his development as a run blocker. If he can improve in that area, he could stick as a depth tight end in a crowded room. At this stage of the draft, betting on traits and late growth is a reasonable approach.

Grade: C+

Round 7, Pick 257: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo

Red Murdock enters the league with a highly productive and disruptive résumé. In 2025 alone, he recorded 142 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and six forced fumbles. His knack for forcing turnovers stands out even more when considering he tallied 17 forced fumbles over his collegiate career.

That play style gives him a real chance to contribute, particularly on special teams and in rotational defensive roles. With Dre Greenlaw no longer on the roster, there is an opportunity for added depth at linebacker. Murdock’s physicality and production make him an appealing late-round addition.

Grade: B

Overall Grade: B

Considering the circumstances, this was a well-executed draft by the Broncos’ front office. Without early-round picks, Denver leaned on value, versatility, and long-term roster planning. The result is a class that may not generate headlines but addresses key needs across the roster.

When paired with the addition of Jaylen Waddle, the broader offseason strategy comes into clearer focus. The Broncos prioritized proven talent while supplementing the roster with high-floor prospects. A “B” grade feels appropriate for a class that emphasizes balance, depth, and calculated upside.