Ranking the Top Five Second-Round Picks in Broncos History
The Denver Broncos won’t be on the clock until the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After trading their first-round pick to acquire Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos will need to find value outside of the spotlight that typically comes with Day 1 selections. While that may seem like a disadvantage, history suggests it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
In fact, some of the most impactful players in franchise history have come from the second round. From explosive offensive playmakers to foundational defensive pieces, Denver has consistently found talent beyond the first round. With that in mind, here’s a look at the five best second-round picks in franchise history:
5. Nik Bonitto (2022)
Nik Bonitto’s inclusion on this list speaks to just how quickly he has developed into one of the Broncos’ most impactful defenders. Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bonitto entered the league with a reputation as a high-upside pass rusher. He has more than lived up to that billing.
Over the past two seasons, Bonitto has emerged as Denver’s most dangerous edge threat. He has totaled 27.5 sacks over that span and earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks has made him a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense.
Bonitto has also shown a knack for delivering in big moments. In the 2025 Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, he strip-sacked Josh Allen to help swing momentum in a game Denver would go on to win. With his trajectory still pointing upward, Bonitto could climb even higher on this list in the years to come.
4. Courtland Sutton (2018)
Since being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Courtland Sutton has been one of the most consistent bright spots for the Broncos. Through coaching changes, quarterback turnover, and roster shakeups, Sutton has remained a reliable and productive presence in Denver’s offense. His ability to deliver regardless of circumstance has defined his career.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Sutton has firmly established himself as the Broncos’ top receiving option since Demaryius Thomas. Since the arrival of quarterback Bo Nix, he has taken his production to another level, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. His blend of size, physicality, and ball skills makes him one of the more difficult receivers to defend.
Sutton currently ranks fifth on Denver’s all-time receiving yards list (6,357). He has led the Broncos in receiving yards five times since entering the league. Durability has also been a defining trait, as Sutton has played in at least 15 games in seven of his first eight seasons with Denver.
3. Rulon Jones (1980)
Rulon Jones may not always be the first name that comes to mind, but his impact on the Broncos over nearly a decade makes him one of the franchise’s most valuable second-round picks. Selected in 1980, Jones developed into a consistent and productive presence along Denver’s defensive line. He was known for his versatility, relying on technique and agility to win as a pass rusher rather than sheer power.
Jones spent his entire nine-year career with the Broncos, earning two Pro Bowl nods and a First-Team All-Pro selection. He officially recorded 52.5 sacks during his career, though sacks were not an official statistic during his first two seasons in the league. If they had been tracked in 1980 and 1981, Jones would have finished with an estimated 73.5 sacks.
That context significantly reshapes how his production should be viewed historically. While he officially ranks sixth on Denver’s all-time sack list, Jones would likely sit fourth if those early seasons were fully accounted for.
2. Simon Fletcher (1985)
Simon Fletcher remains one of the most underrated players in Broncos history. Selected in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft, Fletcher quietly built one of the most productive defensive careers Denver has ever seen. His impact was defined by both consistency and longevity.
Fletcher ranks second in franchise history in sacks (97.5), trailing only Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. He recorded double-digit sacks in five consecutive seasons from 1989 to 1993, including a career-high 16 sacks in 1992.
Despite those numbers, Fletcher never earned a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection, which helps explain why he remains overlooked on the national stage. However, the Broncos recognized his impact by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Fame in 2016. Within the organization, his legacy is firmly cemented.
1. Clinton Portis (2002)
Clinton Portis stands as the gold standard for second-round picks in Broncos history. Drafted in 2002, Portis made an immediate impact, delivering one of the most explosive rookie seasons the NFL has ever seen. It looked like Denver had found its next Terrell Davis.
In 2002, Portis rushed for 1,508 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He rushed for 1,591 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2003, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Portis averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2002 and 2003 and rushed for over 100 yards 18 times during his two-year tenure with the Broncos.
Prior to the 2004 campaign, Denver used Portis as a trade piece to acquire Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey. It was a bold and stunning move, but one that ultimately worked in the Broncos’ favor, as Bailey cemented himself as the best cornerback in franchise history.
