As the final hours of the 2026 NFL Draft ticked away, the Denver Broncos made their final two selections, adding a versatile tight end and a hard-hitting safety to close out their seven-round class. With general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton orchestrating a busy Saturday afternoon, the team's front office continued its pattern of prioritizing athleticism, positional versatility, and special teams value in the middle and late rounds.
Let's break down both selections and what they mean for the Broncos heading into the 2026 season and beyond.
Round 5, Pick 152 (via trade): TE Justin Joly, NC State
The Broncos made a calculated move up the board to secure a tight end they clearly had circled. Denver traded up to select Justin Joly out of NC State with the 152nd overall pick, signaling that the team's evaluation of the tight end room went beyond just the top prospects.
Joly is a fascinating prospect who fits the modern NFL tight end mold. At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, he brings a blend of size and movement skills that should translate well into Payton's offense. The Broncos' head coach has long valued tight ends who can split out wide, create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and contribute as reliable security blankets in the passing game.
What stands out about Joly's game is his ability to work the middle of the field. At NC State, he showed soft hands and an impressive catch radius, often making difficult grabs look routine. He's not a burner in the traditional sense, but he runs crisp routes and knows how to sit down in zone coverage, giving quarterbacks a trusted outlet. That kind of reliability could be invaluable for whichever quarterback wins the starting job in Denver this season.
Beyond his receiving ability, Joly is also a willing blocker. He won't be mistaken for a sixth offensive lineman, but he's physical enough to hold his own in the run game and can develop further under the team's coaching staff. The Broncos have been searching for a tight end who can be a true three-down player, and Joly has the raw tools to potentially fill that role.
The decision to trade up suggests Denver was concerned another team might snag Joly before their original pick came up. That kind of conviction from the front office is worth noting. When the Broncos identify a player they want, they've shown they'll be aggressive in going to get him.
Looking at the depth chart, Joly walks into a tight end room that is in transition. The Broncos have some veteran presence, but there's a clear opportunity for a player with Joly's skill set to earn snaps early in his rookie season. He'll need to prove he can handle the playbook and the speed of the NFL game, but his college production and physical profile suggest he has a legitimate shot to contribute as a rookie.
For the offensive coordinator Davis Webb, having a tight end who can flex out, block on the edge, and move the chains on third down opens up countless possibilities. Joly gives Denver a chess piece that Payton has historically loved to deploy.
Round 7, Pick 246: S Miles Scott, Illinois
With their final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Broncos added depth and special teams potential in the form of Illinois safety Miles Scott. Selected 246th overall, Scott is a classic late-round prospect who brings physicality and a team-first mentality.
Scott's game is built on aggression and instincts. At Illinois, he emerged as a tone-setter in the secondary, earning a reputation as a sure tackler who isn't afraid to lower his shoulder. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, which is exactly what you want from a seventh-round pick trying to make a roster.
While Scott may not have elite speed or coverage fluidity, he processes the game quickly and rarely finds himself out of position. That football intelligence is crucial for a safety entering a complex NFL defense. He'll need to learn the nuances of the professional game, but his fundamentals are sound enough that he should be able to compete for a roster spot.
The biggest path to playing time for Scott early in his career will be on special teams. The Broncos have consistently emphasized the importance of special teams contributions from their late-round picks and undrafted free agents. Scott's tackling ability and willingness to fly down the field on coverage units make him a natural candidate for that role.
From a depth perspective, Scott adds a physical presence to the back end of the secondary. The Broncos already have some established talent at safety, but injuries happen, and having a reliable depth piece who can step in and play meaningful snaps is never a bad thing. Scott's style of play leans toward being a box safety, someone who can help in run support and cover tight ends in man situations.
For the defensive backs coach, Scott represents a development project with a high floor. He may never be a Pro Bowler, but he has the makeup of a player who could carve out a long career as a backup and special teams ace. In the seventh round, that's about as much as you can hope for.
Overall Draft Context
With the Joly and Scott selections now in the books, the Broncos have added nine new players through the 2026 NFL Draft. The class is headlined by their earlier picks, but Day 3 is where championships are often supplemented. Joly has the highest upside of the late-round group, given the scarcity of quality tight ends around the league and his fit in Payton's system.
The trade-up for Joly is particularly interesting. It tells you the team identified a specific need and was willing to surrender some draft capital to address it. Tight end was viewed as a position of need entering the draft, and while Denver had already addressed other areas, they clearly wanted to come away with a player they believe can develop into a long-term starter.
Scott, meanwhile, is the kind of player coaches fall in love with during training camp. He's physical, he's smart, and he's hungry. Keep an eye on him during preseason games; if he makes a few splash plays, he could quickly become a fan favorite.
What Comes Next
The draft is over, but the work has just begun. Both Joly and Scott will report to Denver for rookie minicamp in the coming weeks, where they'll get their first taste of NFL life. For Joly, the expectations will be higher given the draft capital spent to acquire him. He'll be expected to compete for the TE1 spot immediately.
For Scott, it's about survival. He'll need to make an impression in practice, on special teams, and in preseason games to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. If he does, his physical style could make him a valuable piece of the Broncos' defensive puzzle for years to come.
As the roster continues to take shape, the Broncos' front office deserves credit for adding players with clear roles and defined skill sets. Whether it's Joly's receiving ability or Scott's special teams potential, every pick had a purpose. That clarity of vision is a hallmark of a well-run organization.
The 2026 draft class won't be fully evaluated for at least two or three years, but early returns suggest the Broncos have added competition, athleticism, and depth to a roster that believes it's on the rise.