The 2026 NFL Draft is nearly upon us, and for the Denver Broncos, the action begins in the middle of the second round with pick No. 62. After last year's trade that brought quarterback Bo Nix to the team, as well as various roster maneuvers, General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton have spent months analyzing prospects to find the best fits for their roster needs.
Thanks to ESPN's Jeff Legwold, who has reported extensively on the Broncos, we now have a detailed inside look at Denver's draft board for their first selection: six primary targets spanning tight end, linebacker, and defensive tackle. Each position addresses a specific area of concern for a team that made the playoffs in 2025 but still has clear holes to fill in pursuit of championship contention. Additionally, the Denver Post confirms the Broncos are scouting late-round cornerback prospects, including Virginia Tech's Mansoor Delane and Clemson's Avieon Terrell.
Here's what this means for Denver's draft strategy and future.
Tight Ends on the Radar at Pick No. 62
Tight end has been a position of uncertainty for the Broncos ever since Greg Dulcich's injury issues derailed his potential contributions. In 2025, the team relied heavily on journeymen such as Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull. While Trautman provides solid blocking and Krull flashes as a pass catcher, neither has become a true game-changer in the way Sean Payton's offense demands.
The 2026 draft class offers depth at tight end, though it lacks top-tier elite prospects. This scenario suits Denver's second-round timing perfectly. Jeff Legwold reports multiple tight ends remain on Denver's shortlist at pick No. 62, even if specific names have not been publicly revealed. The desirable profile is a versatile, well-rounded tight end who can both block effectively in-line and exploit defensive mismatches in the passing game. This mirrors the archetype Payton favored in his New Orleans days with players like Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, and Jared Cook.
Potential prospects who could be available in this range include Michigan's Colston Loveland, Penn State's Tyler Warren, and other prospects from smaller schools who have been rising on draft boards. Slotting a ready-to-contribute tight end into the lineup would provide Bo Nix and the offense with a reliable weapon over the middle, immediately bolstering Denver's passing attack.
Linebackers Draw Attention at Mid-Round
Denver's linebacker group is quietly undergoing evolution. Veteran Alex Singleton remains a key leader and tackling presence, but the Broncos have been hunting for a more dynamic, athletic linebacker who excels in coverage and can run sideline to sideline. Jonas Griffith and Justin Strnad have contributed, but neither has firmly established themselves as an every-down player.
Legwold confirms at least one linebacker is among Denver's top six targets at No. 62. This aligns with the defensive demands of the modern NFL, which is increasingly focused on speed, coverage ability, and versatility at the linebacker position. Under Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, Denver's defense improved steadily in 2025, and the addition of a young, athletic linebacker could push that progress further.
Names to watch in this range include Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman, noted for his football IQ and production as a tackling leader, as well as other off-ball linebackers from power conferences who may slide due to the depth at the position. Denver's extensive scouting suggests the possibility of selecting a linebacker capable of eventually calling defensive plays on the field wearing the green dot.
Defensive Tackles as Key Targets
While the Broncos' defensive tackle room appeared relatively set entering the offseason, Legwold's reporting reveals a strong interest in adding a defensive tackle with their first pick.
D.J. Jones is the team's mainstay at nose tackle, anchoring the line, while Zach Allen provides a penetrating force at the three-technique and had arguably his best season in 2025. Eyioma Uwazurike, a third-year player, has shown glimpses of promise after returning from suspension.
Yet, the Broncos recognize the need for depth and rotational quality along the interior defensive line. Allen led the team in snaps among defensive linemen in 2025, leaving limited freshness and backup options during critical moments. Adding a rotational three-technique or a bigger-bodied nose tackle prospect would provide valuable insurance against injury and help maintain a stout run defense and pass rush.
The 2026 defensive tackle class is regarded as one of the finest in recent years. Denver has a chance to snag a player in the second round who might have been a late first-rounder in other drafts. Possible names include Michigan's Mason Graham, if he falls, Texas's Byron Murphy II (likely an early selection), or Florida's Cam Jackson, all versatile players who could immediately contribute to the interior line rotation.
Late-Round Cornerback Targets: Mansoor Delane and Avieon Terrell
While the spotlight remains on pick No. 62, the Broncos are strategically scouting later-round additions, particularly at cornerback. According to the Denver Post, two specific prospects rising on Denver's radar are Virginia Tech's Mansoor Delane and Clemson's Avieon Terrell.
Denver's cornerback room is anchored by standout Patrick Surtain II, arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. Veteran Ja'Quan McMillian continues to provide dependable play in the slot. However, depth beyond these two is a concern. Damarri Mathis struggled through a difficult 2025 season after showing promise previously, and Riley Moss plays primarily situational roles.
Finding developmental talent in the late rounds is critical. Mansoor Delane, standing 6-foot-1, combines length and ball skills, having intercepted five passes over his last two collegiate seasons at Virginia Tech. While not the fastest cornerback, his instincts and press coverage physicality suit the Broncos' mixed man-zone defensive scheme.
Avieon Terrell brings strong football lineage as the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell. Though not as polished entering the league as his brother, Avieon is a sticky cover corner with fluid change-of-direction skills. He projects as a valuable special teams contributor early and could develop into a boundary starter or nickel option.
Neither prospect is expected to supplant Surtain or McMillian immediately, but they offer affordable, young depth with long-term upside--an essential component of roster construction in today's NFL.
Putting It All Together: Building Toward Contention
As the Broncos enter the third year under Sean Payton and George Paton, the team boasts a growing core: a talented young quarterback in Bo Nix, a top-five defensive unit, and a playoff berth in 2025. However, the margin between playoff team and Super Bowl contender remains thin.
Investing pick No. 62 in either a tight end, linebacker, or defensive tackle addresses critical roster needs and could unlock the next level of performance. A tight end selection could finally supply Nix with a versatile, go-to weapon over the middle. Choosing a linebacker could inject athleticism and versatility into the second level of the defense. Opting for a defensive tackle would deepen the line and protect the team's defensive front from wear and injury.
Simultaneously, targeting late-round cornerbacks like Mansoor Delane and Avieon Terrell demonstrates the front office's commitment to sustained depth and forward-thinking roster management. In a division and conference filled with elite quarterbacks and dynamic passing attacks -- Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City, Justin Herbert of Los Angeles -- strong defensive backfields become paramount.
The Broncos' approach combines position prioritization, extensive scouting, and a clear plan to leverage their draft capital smartly. If this strategy pays off, Denver will position itself as a formidable AFC contender for years to come.
Stay tuned for comprehensive draft coverage and analysis as the picks unfold.
