With the 2026 NFL Draft now less than two weeks away, the Denver Broncos are in the final, frantic stages of their evaluation process. Every meeting, every workout, and every formal interview carries heightened significance as the front office, led by General Manager George Paton, works to finalize its board. In a move that underscores the team's commitment to leaving no stone unturned, the Broncos recently conducted a formal sit-down meeting with University of Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels during his Pro Day workout on March 23, 2026.
According to a confirmed report from Sports Illustrated, the Broncos were among the teams to meet with Daniels in Miami, continuing a trend of exhaustive due diligence on prospects across all rounds. This meeting is a classic example of the "covering all bases" philosophy that defines the final stretch before draft night. For a Broncos team holding the 12th overall pick but facing a significant gap before their next selection in the third round, these mid-to-late-round evaluations are arguably as critical as their first-round homework.
Who is CJ Daniels?
CJ Daniels arrives at the NFL doorstep as an intriguing developmental prospect. During his time with the Miami Hurricanes, he showcased a blend of size, athleticism, and downfield ball skills that naturally draw the attention of NFL scouts. His Pro Day, held on March 23, 2026, provided a crucial platform to solidify his measurables and athletic testing in front of decision-makers. While specific 40-yard dash times or vertical leap numbers from that workout have not been publicly disclosed, the fact that it prompted a formal meeting with the Broncos suggests his performance validated the tape and piqued Denver's interest.
The wide receiver position presents a fascinating puzzle for the Broncos this offseason. On paper, the top of the depth chart appears set with established veterans. However, the NFL is a league of constant evolution and contingency planning. Investing in young, cost-controlled talent at skill positions is never a bad strategy, especially for a team building for sustained success. A player like Daniels represents the kind of high-upside athlete a team can target on Day 3 of the draft, hoping to develop him into a rotational contributor and special teams asset with potential for more.
The Broncos' Draft Context and Strategy
This reported meeting cannot be viewed in isolation. It is a single data point within a vast constellation of pre-draft activity. The Broncos' scouts and personnel department have likely met with hundreds of prospects, from events like the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine to private workouts and local visits. A Pro Day meeting like this one is a standard part of the process, allowing teams to gather final information, ask pointed questions, and get an in-person assessment of a player's demeanor and football IQ.
Strategically, barring a massive and currently unforeseen trade-up into the top five picks, the Broncos are not in position to select one of the draft's elite quarterback prospects without sacrificing significant future capital. This reality has shifted public discourse toward what the team will do at No. 12 overall. Will they select the best player available -- potentially a top-tier offensive tackle or defensive playmaker? Could they trade back to accumulate additional picks in a draft where their next selection is not until the third round?
This latter scenario makes due diligence on players like CJ Daniels especially vital. If the Broncos execute a trade-back, adding a second or third-round pick, their draft board needs to be meticulously prepared for those slots. Even if they stand pat, identifying potential targets at positions of need for their third-round pick (No. 76 overall) and any later picks acquired is essential. Wide receiver, while not the most glaring immediate need, fits the profile of a position where value and talent can be found on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.
What a Daniels Selection Would Signal
Drafting a player like CJ Daniels would communicate several key philosophies from the Broncos' brain trust. First, it would emphasize a commitment to building through the draft and developing homegrown talent. Second, it would reflect a "best player available" approach in the middle rounds, selecting a talented athlete over reaching for a more immediate need. Lastly, it would be an investment in the future of the wide receiver room, providing competition and potential succession for roles down the line.
For Head Coach Sean Payton and Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb, adding a receiver with Daniels' profile could offer another versatile weapon for the offensive arsenal. Payton's offenses have historically featured diverse receiving threats, and a big-bodied target who can win contested-catch situations and stretch the field vertically would complement the existing skill sets in the room. Development would be key, but the coaching staff has a proven track record of maximizing offensive talent.
The Final Countdown
As the draft clock ticks down, every piece of intelligence gathered becomes part of the larger mosaic. The meeting with CJ Daniels is not a guarantee of selection, but it is a confirmed point of interest. It tells us the Broncos are doing their homework on the wide receiver class, attending key Pro Days, and engaging with prospects who could be in play during the latter stages of the draft.
For Broncos fans, these reports are the lifeblood of the pre-draft season--hints and clues about the team's thinking and potential directions. While the spotlight will rightly shine on the decision at No. 12 overall, the success of this draft class will likely be determined by what the Broncos do in rounds three and beyond. Finding contributors, and perhaps even starters, in those rounds is how championship rosters are fortified.
The work in Miami is done. The notes on CJ Daniels are filed. The Broncos' war room will now synthesize this information with all other reports, grades, and interviews as they prepare for the most important weekend of the NFL offseason. The meeting happened. The interest is real. Now, we wait to see if that interest translates into a call on draft night.
