Denver Broncos 2026 NFL Draft: Key Needs, Top Prospects, and Potential Trades
POLICY WIRE — Pittsburgh, USA — The highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft is set to commence live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23rd, as new talent prepares to join professional ranks throughout the...
POLICY WIRE — Pittsburgh, USA — The highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft is set to commence live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23rd, as new talent prepares to join professional ranks throughout the weekend.
For the Denver Broncos, a significant roster gap emerges at the tight end position. Addressing this specific need is paramount for the team’s long-term strategic planning.
Addressing the Tight End Position
A persistent solution at tight end is critically needed, especially with Evan Engram entering the concluding year of his current contract. Despite his established role as a productive receiver, evidenced by his third-highest reception count for the Broncos in 2025, his blocking capabilities have been notably limited.
Engram’s contract structure also presents a financial challenge. His cap hit is scheduled to significantly increase from $6.1 million in 2025 to a substantial $14.1 million in the current year.
Key Prospect and Trade Scenarios
Top Prospect Fit: Edge Rusher Mason Thomas
While tight end remains a glaring deficiency, the Broncos might find an irresistible fit in edge rusher Mason Thomas from Oklahoma. Identified by analysts like Ayrton Ostly, Thomas offers a compelling skill set too promising to overlook.
Thomas shares similarities with current Bronco Nik Bonitto, characterized as an undersized but exceptionally intuitive rusher. His impressive bend and explosive athleticism make him an ideal candidate to bolster Denver’s pass-rushing rotation, an area where they consistently rank among the league’s elite.
Potential Trade Candidate: Evan Engram
The financial implications of Evan Engram’s contract, coupled with his declining snap count and yardage totals in 2025, make him a prime trade candidate. At 32 years old by September, and with a career-low 42% of offensive snaps played last season, the Broncos could seek to alleviate his contract burden.
Moving Engram to another franchise in search of tight end depth could provide valuable cap relief and potentially yield additional draft capital for Denver.
Denver Broncos 2026 NFL Draft Picks
The Broncos hold a strategic selection of picks across various rounds in the upcoming draft. Their current draft capital is outlined as follows:
- Round 1: None
- Round 2: No. 62 (2.30)
- Round 3: None
- Round 4: No. 108 (4.8) from Saints, No. 111 (4.11) from Dolphins
- Round 5: No. 170 (5.30)
- Round 6: None
- Round 7: No. 246 (7.30), No. 256 (7.40) Compensatory pick, No. 257 (7.41) Compensatory pick
