The acquisition of Jaylen Waddle resolves the Denver Broncos' most pressing offensive need: a high-end, vertical play maker to complement Bo Nix. By trading their 2026 first-round pick (No. 30 overall) to the Dolphins, the Broncos secured a proven receiver while managing the financial impact through a strategic contract restructure. They immediately reworked it to maximize their 2026 cap flexibility (roughly $15.4 millions of salary into a signing bonus). Waddle has roughly $15.2 million in guaranteed money for 2027, but no remaining guarantees in 2028, giving Denver leverage for another extension or a clean exit down the road. Waddle provides the verticality the Broncos lacked in their 2025 AFC Championship loss to New England. His elite route-running and ability to generate separation give Bo Nix a "security blanket" who can turn short passes into long gains and allows Courtland Sutton to play as a physical X-receiver and relieve pressure on the younger wide receivers.

The Broncos entered the draft with a ready-to-play roster (73 of 90 pre-season players on roster). While Denver is always looking to upgrade any position and is always looking to improve its depth, it has flexibility on how to manage the draft: stand pat; move up or down; trade a pick(s) for a veteran; or focus on a player who can help later when veterans contracts expire because of the current state of its roster. Day One Denver had no round one pick and made no draft moves on day one. Day Two Denver entered day two with one pick, number 62. Denver traded pick 62 for pick 66 and 182 (Buffalo). Pick 66: DL Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M, in a move to develop depth and look long term. Onyedim has the tools and traits to be a great player in this league. He brings 53 games of experience into the NFL. Onyedim is an excellent athlete with an explosive first step and long arms. He is a good run defender and his pass rush tools are promising. DC Vance Joseph doesn't ever want to be lacking in two areas: pass rush or defensive backfield. The Broncos remain explosive on defense with this pick as Onyedim can contribute immediately. Day Three Denver may have entered day three planning to draft players they would have otherwise fought for in the undrafted College free agent frenzy in round seven. Pick 108: RB Jonah Coleman, Washington, getting the perfect fit for their running back room. Coleman's a tough runner, great in pass protection, and has only 2 career fumbles. He will push for meaningful snaps immediately. Pick 111 OL Kage Casey, Boise State, following their theme of drafting development backup/future starters. Casey's 33 1/4-inch arms mean he could move to guard, but the Broncos will look at all options with him as he models his game after LT Garett Bolles. Denver traded the 2026 number 170 pick and number 182 pick for pick number 152 (Browns. Pick 152 TE Justin Joly, NC. State. Joly projects to the "F" tight end position, although he will have to work in-line in certain packages. He's strong at the catch point and a reliable target for the present and future. Pick 246 S Miles Scott, Illinois, a good-sized athlete, a former wide receiver whose experience helps him in coverage. Scott is a ball hawk. Pick 256 TE Dallen Bentley, Utah, an in line tight end who needs to learn technique as a blocker and improve his route running. Pick 257 LB Red Murdock, Buffalo, has a nose for the football and is physically tough. He makes plays and should be a core special team player. Murdock is a turnover machine

Dane Key, WR, Nebraska (Payton Prototype WR) Dasan McCullough, LB/S, Nebraska (Versatile) Cam Ross, WR, Virginia (kick returner) Ahmari Harvey, CB, Georgia Tech Joseph Manjack IV, WR, TCU Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M (good shot to make roster) Tyler Miller, OT, Iowa State (massive tackle) Gavin Ortega, OL, Weber State (projects at G) Kolbe Katsis, WR, Northern Arizona (kick returner) Luke Basso, LS, Oregon (Competition for LS) Will Wright, CB, Tennessee Brent Austin, CB, Cal Parker Robertson, S, Oklahoma State Sean Brown, WR, Charlotte

Denver had a successful draft, getting players a round or two after their projected pick spot and drafting for both the present and future. QB Bo Nix needed offensive weapons and got them in the WR Jalen Waddle trade and drafting two offensive play makers in RB Jonah Coleman and TE Justin Joly. RB RJ Harvey and TE Evan Engram are on notice to pick up their games. TE. TE Dallen Bentley is heir to Trautman's position. The starting lineup is likely set, but it will be a "snake pit" battle for the back up positions. Denver will have to play the roster/practice squad game to protect some of their depth. While there are some grips in Bronco's country, IMO it was exactly the kind of draft needed and Payton and Paton managed it beautifully.

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