2026 Denver Broncos Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 9 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Denver Broncos enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 9 selections and critical needs at Defensive Line, Tight End, Center. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #31 - Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Rank: #24 overall | Grade: B+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Denver addresses their fourth-ranked need by taking Chris Bell, a physically imposing receiver whose 220-pound frame and 4.4 speed create a devastating size-speed combination. Bell's emergence at Louisville—from seven catches as a freshman to 43 receptions, 737 yards, and four touchdowns in 2024—shows a player ascending at the right time. The Broncos are adding a weapon who transforms into a running back after the catch.
The Fit:Bell's ability to punish defensive backs with his linebacker-like frame and excellent tracking on deep balls gives Denver a boundary threat who can win at all three levels. His physical play style and mixed-tempo footwork in his release package create separation against man coverage, while his good ball skills through contact add reliability in contested situations. The double-catch tendency and lateral rigidness in press need refinement, but his Xavier Legette-like ceiling justifies the investment.
Scouting Report:If CJ Allen was off the board, Denver Broncos could target similar Outside Linebackers in the first round range.
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Pick #63 - Denver Broncos: Connor Lew, Center, Auburn
Rank: #58 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Denver opens round three by addressing their third-ranked need with Connor Lew, a young Auburn center whose quick hands and processing ability have impressed scouts since he took over as a true freshman in 2023. Lew's alert eyes to diagnose secondary threats and timely help securing A-gaps against blitzes represent the mental tools teams covet at the position. The Broncos are betting his three years of starting experience and high floor translate to immediate contribution.
The Fit:Lew's flat-back posture and active hands give Denver a center who can manage protection calls and sustain independent blocks in pass protection. His solid movement skills allow him to negotiate combo blocks and climb to linebackers effectively, fitting well in the Broncos' zone-based scheme. The play-strength limitations that cause him to get stalemated against power require attention, but his Matt Hennessy-like floor as a high-quality backup with starter upside justifies the selection.
Scouting Report:If Connor Lew was off the board, Denver Broncos could target similar Centers in the second round range.
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Pick #95 - Denver Broncos: Dontay Corleone, Defensive Line, Cincinnati
Rank: #96 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Denver addresses their top need by selecting Michael Trigg, whose record-breaking 155-yard performance against Kansas State and 2025 explosion (439 yards through six weeks already surpassing 2024 totals) represent the late-blooming development that creates Day 3 value. Trigg's transformation from limited contributor to dominant receiving weapon as a fifth-year senior shows the growth mindset teams love, while his Second-Team All-Big 12 recognition in 2024 validated his arrival. The Broncos are adding a move tight end who creates mismatches.
The Fit:Trigg's ability to create favorable mismatches from slot alignment where his size advantage over corners and speed advantage over linebackers allows separation gives Denver a pass-catching weapon at tight end. His polished short-to-intermediate route-running and yards-after-catch ability add dimensions most tight ends lack, even if his 240-pound frame means he won't contribute as a traditional in-line blocker. The fifth-year senior status means he's an older rookie, but his developmental arc suggests continued growth is possible.
Scouting Report:If Dontay Corleone was off the board, Denver Broncos could target similar Defensive Lines in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Denver Broncos 7-round draft →---
Pick #108: Nick Singleton (Running Back, Penn State) - Grade C+. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #131: Amare Ferrell (Safety, Indiana) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #169: Dametrious Crownover (Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #247: Josh Cuevas (Tight End, Alabama) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #254: Carlos Hernandez (Wide Receiver, Wake Forest) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #257: Vincent Anthony Jr (Edge Rusher, Duke) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Denver Broncos Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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