The Denver Broncos find themselves in a pivotal position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Without a first-round selection following the high-profile trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the pressure is on General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton to maximize the value of their first pick at No. 62 overall. With several holes to fill on both sides of the ball, the Broncos have narrowed their focus to a specific group of prospects who could provide immediate impact or high-ceiling developmental potential.
Maximizing Value Without a First-Round Pick
For the Denver Broncos, the 2026 draft cycle is about precision rather than volume at the top. Pick No. 62 represents their first opportunity to add elite talent to a roster that showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency in key areas last season. The front office is reportedly zeroing in on six specific Denver Broncos draft targets to bolster the depth chart, with a heavy emphasis on offensive playmakers and defensive anchors.
By selecting late in the second round, Denver is in a prime position to catch high-floor players who may have slipped due to a run on other positions. The strategy appears to be focused on high-usage positions that can help a young quarterback develop while ensuring the defense remains stout in a competitive AFC West. The scouting department has spent significant time evaluating the versatility of this year's class, looking for players who can play multiple roles within Sean Payton's complex system.
The Search for the "Joker" Tight End
It is no secret that Sean Payton’s offense thrives when it has a versatile, pass-catching threat at the tight end position—often referred to as the "Joker." The draft board reflects this priority, featuring four distinct talents who could redefine the Broncos' middle-of-the-field attack: Eli Stowers, Max Klare, Justin Joly, and Marlin Klein.
- Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt): A former quarterback with elite athleticism, Stowers is a matchup nightmare out of the slot. His unique understanding of coverage makes him a natural fit for Payton's creative play-calling.
- Max Klare (Ohio State): After a standout career at Purdue and a strong final season at Ohio State, Klare is regarded as a balanced prospect with reliable hands and savvy route-running.
- Justin Joly (NC State): Known for his explosive playmaking ability after the catch, Joly offers the kind of YAC potential that the Broncos' offense has lacked in recent years.
- Marlin Klein (Michigan): A German-born prospect known as one of the best blockers in the class, Klein provides the physical presence needed to solidify the edge in the run game while offering developmental upside as a receiver.
Bolstering the Defense: Trotter and Rodriguez
While the offense needs weapons, the Broncos' defense is also looking for reinforcements, specifically at the linebacker position. The team has been linked to Josiah Trotter and Jacob Rodriguez, two players with high motors and high football IQs who could anchor the middle of the defense for years to come.
Josiah Trotter, the son of former NFL All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter, has seen his stock rise significantly at Missouri. He brings a physical, downhill style of play that fits perfectly into a Denver unit needing more "thump" in the run game. Similarly, Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech is a tackle-for-loss machine with elite instincts. His ability to sort through the "trash" in the box to locate ball-carriers makes him one of the most productive off-ball linebackers in the 2026 class.
Strategic Fit for the 2026 Season
Selecting at No. 62 requires a balance between "best player available" and positional need. The current list of Denver Broncos draft targets suggests a team that is looking to provide their young roster with more diverse options while ensuring the defense doesn't lose its edge. By focusing on the tight end and linebacker positions, Denver is targeting areas where a rookie can realistically compete for a starting role or significant rotational snaps early in their career.
The inclusion of prospects like Stowers and Joly indicates a desire to modernize the passing game, moving away from traditional blocking tight ends toward hybrid players. Defensively, the interest in Trotter and Rodriguez suggests a commitment to physical, disciplined football. If the Broncos can land one of these top-tier talents at the end of the second round, it will go a long way in solidifying the foundation of the team moving forward.
What to Expect on Draft Night
As the draft approaches, the Broncos' board will likely continue to shift, but the core focus remains clear. Whether they opt for a versatile pass-catcher or a hard-hitting linebacker, the goal for pick No. 62 is to find a player who can contribute from Day 1. The team has done extensive homework on these six prospects, including several top-30 visits, ensuring they are prepared for multiple scenarios as the board falls ahead of them.
Fans should keep a close eye on these names as the draft process unfolds. In a draft where the Broncos lack a first-round pick, the selection at 62 becomes their de facto first-round choice. Landing a high-impact player could be the catalyst that helps Denver return to playoff contention in 2026.
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