Broncos’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The Denver Broncos made it to the AFC Championship because of great depth over the entire roster. The Broncos really didn’t have any glaring holes heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, which allowed them to either pursue the best player available when they made their picks and/or shore up any position groups that might have been a little thinner than others.

After making it to the semifinal round of the postseason, the next step is for the Broncos to get into the Super Bowl. Of course, the team thinks they can do so because they just might have been taking on the Seattle Seahawks team that won it all if Bo Nix hadn’t gotten hurt in the closing seconds of the Divisional Round.

So, did Denver do well to ensure it can contend for the championship this year? Here are the Broncos’ draft grades for all seven of the picks they made.

Round 3, pick 66: DT Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M

Grade: C-

The Broncos were without a first-round pick because of the Jaylen Waddle trade, and then they traded out of Round 2, meaning their first selection didn’t come until pick 66. That first selection of Denver’s was used on Tyler Onyedim. The hope is that the Texas A&M product can fill the void left by John Franklin-Meyers, who was Denver’s only major offseason departure, but Onyedim hasn’t proven to be that effective of an interior pass rusher. This pick was a reach and far from the star-level of player that teams hope to get when they make their first draft choice of the year.

Round 4, pick 108: RB Jonah Coleman, Washington

Grade: A

Many expected the Broncos to make a splashy free agent addition at the running back position. Instead, they re-signed the talented but often-injured J.K. Dobbins. The selection of Jonah Coleman, who was one of ClutchPoints’ top five sleeper prospects, provides insurance for Dobbins. He also has a between-the-tackles style of play that will mesh well with fellow young Broncos running back, RJ Harvey, when looking at the long-term outlook of Denver’s backfield. Coleman will earn snaps right away because he is an excellent pass protector.

Round 4, pick 111: Kage Casey, OT Boise State

Grade: B+

The Broncos have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but tackle depth was a sneaky need. Garrett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey are both in their 30s. Enter Kage Casey, a Boise State player who can immediately work as the swing tackle. Casey even has the versatility to play the center position, so he can serve as a sixth man of sorts for Denver’s offensive line.

Round 5, pick 152: TE Justin Joly, NC State

Grade: A-

In a thin tight end class, many expected Justin Joly to be selected before the fifth round. The Broncos found excellent value in getting this “Joker,” whom Sean Payton will certainly find creative ways to use on the field. Joly is a big player who can line up in the slot, and he had tons of production at NC State. Evan Engram didn’t live up to expectations when the Broncos added him last year, but Joly could get a tight end room that has struggled for years to finally become relevant in Denver’s offense.

Round 7, pick 246: S Miles Scott, Illinois

Grade: B-

Miles Scott transitioned from receiver to safety at Illinois. Clearly, he has impressive football understanding and athletic traits to be able to make that transition in college and still be drafted, so the hope is that he will continue developing at the next level. The Broncos needed safety depth, but Scott might not make a big impact on defense right away. Denver will need him to step up on special teams, though, and that could be where he makes a name for himself.

Round 7, pick 256: TE Dallen Bentley, Utah

Grade: C

The Broncos clearly want more out of their tight ends because they went back to the position with the selection of Dallen Bentley. This was the second straight season in which the Broncos drafted a Utah tight end in the seventh round, and Bentley will compete against former teammate Caleb Lohner for snaps and/or a roster spot this season. Bentley only had three career receptions before his senior season at Utah, in which he caught 48 passes for 620 yards. He is a solid blocker, too, but it is far from a guarantee that he will make the roster.

Round 7, pick 257: LB Red Murdock, Buffalo

Grade: A+

The Broncos clearly had some targets that they didn’t want to hit undrafted free agency, as they selected both of the final two players to hear their names called on draft day. Red Murdock was named Mr. Irrelevant, and the Broncos nailed this pick. Rarely does the last player drafted make an impact at the NFL level, but Murdock certainly has the potential to find a role with Denver. He had 17 forced fumbles at Buffalo, making him the most prolific fumble forcer in FBS history. The Broncos’ defense is great, especially when it comes to securing sacks, but they needed someone who could pop the ball loose. Inside linebacker was also a need after the team moved on from Dre Greenlaw.

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