The Denver Broncos are entering a pivotal offseason as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. After a period of roster transition and building around their core pieces, the front office is now tasked with maximizing a draft class that currently features seven total selections. While Denver does not hold a first-round pick in this cycle, the focus has shifted toward finding high-impact talent in the middle rounds, specifically starting at pick No. 62.
Denver's Draft Capital and Strategy
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Broncos' draft board is beginning to take shape. The team is currently slated to make their first appearance on the clock in the second round. Having seven picks allows General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton some flexibility, but the lack of a day-one selection puts immense pressure on the 62nd overall pick to be a contributor from the jump.
Internal intel suggests that the Broncos are prioritizing versatility and offensive weapons. With the team continuing to develop its offensive identity, the buzz around Dove Valley indicates a heavy emphasis on the tight end position and "move" pieces that can create mismatches in the passing game. The goal is clear: provide the offense with more dynamic options that can stress opposing defenses in the middle of the field.
Intel on Top Targets: Eli Stowers and Max Klare
According to recent reports and draft buzz, two names have surfaced as primary interests for the Broncos: Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers and Purdue’s Max Klare. Both players represent the modern evolution of the tight end position, offering more than just traditional blocking capabilities.
Eli Stowers has become a fascination for scouts due to his unique background. A former quarterback, Stowers has transitioned into a versatile offensive weapon. His ability to understand coverages from a passer's perspective while possessing the physical tools to win as a receiver makes him a high-upside target for Sean Payton’s system. Stowers is the type of "positionless" player that modern NFL offenses crave, capable of lining up in the slot, attached to the line, or even in the backfield.
On the other hand, Max Klare offers a more traditional but equally explosive profile. Klare has been a consistent producer at Purdue, known for his reliable hands and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. For a Broncos team looking for a dependable safety valve and a red-zone threat, Klare fits the mold of a high-floor prospect who could see the field early in his rookie campaign.
The Search for Offensive Versatility
The interest in players like Stowers and Klare highlights a specific trend in Denver’s scouting department for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Broncos are looking for players who can do more than one thing. In Payton’s offensive scheme, the "Y" and "F" tight end roles are critical for creating personnel advantages.
- Vertical Threat: The Broncos need a player who can stretch the seam and pull safeties away from the boundary receivers.
- Blocking Reliability: While receiving is a priority, the ability to contribute in the run game remains a staple of Denver's balanced attack.
- Football IQ: Given the complexity of the Broncos' playbook, intel suggests they are valuing players with high processing speeds.
Draft Outlook and Seven Total Selections
With seven picks to navigate, the Broncos will need to be surgical. Beyond the second round, the team will look to bolster depth across the roster. However, the "buzz" remains centered on that first pick at No. 62. History shows that the second round is often where value meets need, and for a team without a first-rounder, this pick essentially serves as their cornerstone for the class.
As the draft process continues with the Combine and pro days, the Broncos' interest in the tight end class will be a major storyline to watch. Whether it is the converted-quarterback athleticism of Stowers or the polished receiving skills of Klare, Denver is clearly hunting for a difference-maker to elevate their offensive ceiling in 2026.
Sources & Original Reporting
