Title Case Format (No Quotation Marks, No Extra Text): Broncos Draft Class 2026: Full Grades for Every Pick — How They Graded Out Despite No First or Second-Round Selections

The Denver Broncos completed their 2026 NFL Draft with a focus on addressing roster depth and positional needs, selecting three players across the third, fourth, and sixth rounds after trading away their first- and second-round picks to acquire veteran wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

With no selections in the first or second rounds, the Broncos’ 2026 draft class began in the third round with the selection of Tyler Onyedim, a defensive tackle from Texas A&M, acquired via a trade that sent their original third-round pick to the Tennessee Titans through the Buffalo Bills. Onyedim was chosen with the 66th overall pick and is expected to contribute to the defensive line rotation, particularly in run-stopping situations, as noted by analysts evaluating the team’s need to replace departed defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.

In the fourth round, the Broncos selected running back Jonah Coleman from the University of Washington with the 108th overall pick. The move was intended to add insurance and depth behind starting running back JK Dobbins, whose availability has been limited by injuries in previous seasons. Coleman’s selection aims to strengthen the Broncos’ backfield and prevent a repeat of the late-season struggles experienced when Dobbins was sidelined.

The Broncos’ final selection came in the sixth round, where they added defensive back Jahdae Walker from Oregon with the 182nd overall pick. Walker provides additional depth to the secondary and offers developmental potential as a backup cornerback or safety, complementing an already talented defensive backfield that helped Denver secure the AFC’s top seed during the 2025 season.

Prior to the draft, the Broncos made a significant offseason move by trading for Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, giving up their original first- and second-round picks in the process. The acquisition of Waddle, a proven Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver, was widely regarded as a favorable exchange, especially considering the talent available at the 30th overall pick in the first round. Waddle joins a receiving corps that includes Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and others, significantly upgrading the team’s offensive firepower.

Analysts and fan surveys conducted after the draft noted that while the Broncos did not retain premium draft capital, their strategy prioritized immediate impact through the Waddle trade and used their remaining selections to address long-term roster needs. The defensive line and running back positions were identified as areas requiring reinforcement, and the selections of Onyedim and Coleman were viewed as logical responses to those deficiencies.

The Broncos entered the 2026 draft with a 14-3 record from the previous season, having advanced to the AFC Championship Game before a season-ending injury to quarterback Bo Nix affected their playoff run. Despite offensive inconsistencies, the team’s defense had been a strength, and the 2026 draft choices reflect an effort to maintain that edge while adding offensive reliability through veteran acquisition.

As the team prepares for the 2026 season, the combination of the Waddle trade and the 2026 draft class is intended to provide both immediate upgrades and developmental depth, particularly on defense and in the backfield. The Broncos will look to integrate these new players into a roster that aims to return to the Super Bowl after falling short in the previous postseason.