The Denver Broncos have had a turbulent few seasons, and with their sights firmly set on returning to competitive form in the NFL, the 2025 NFL Draft could be their key to success. With the franchise aiming to reestablish itself as a contender in the AFC West, the Broncos will be looking for impact players in crucial positions to revitalize their roster. In his comprehensive 7-round mock draft, Dane Brugler lays out the selections that could shape the Broncos’ future. As Denver continues to move through a phase of transition and rebuild, the picks made in this draft will define their trajectory for the next several years.
For a team like the Broncos, the stakes couldn’t be higher, especially after recent struggles that have left them outside the playoff picture in recent seasons. However, with new head coach Sean Payton leading the way, the Broncos are looking to shake things up and move beyond their current standing. The 2025 draft represents a golden opportunity to fill key needs on both sides of the ball. From defense to offensive line, Denver’s draft strategy will have a lasting impact on their ability to challenge teams in the AFC.
In Brugler’s mock draft, the Broncos first make a splash with their opening pick, using it to shore up the offensive line. After years of offensive struggles, particularly in terms of pass protection, the need to strengthen the line has never been more apparent. The Broncos selected a highly rated offensive tackle, a position that is crucial to their ability to protect quarterback Russell Wilson, whose performance has been under the microscope since his arrival in Denver. This pick makes sense on multiple levels. Not only does it address one of the team’s most glaring needs, but it also allows for the potential to develop a cornerstone player who can contribute for years to come. The right tackle position, in particular, has been a weakness for Denver, and bringing in a high-caliber prospect could solve this issue immediately.
The selection also underscores the Broncos’ commitment to supporting Wilson, who has faced mounting pressure to perform in Denver. Since joining the Broncos, Wilson has seen his fair share of challenges. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of disappointing, and much of the blame can be attributed to the lack of protection he received from the offensive line. If the Broncos want to get the most out of Wilson, securing better pass protection is essential. With a top-tier offensive lineman now on the roster, Denver can look forward to better blocking schemes, allowing Wilson more time in the pocket and reducing the pressure on him to make quick decisions under duress.
While the Broncos are making strides to fix their offensive issues, they also recognize the importance of bolstering their defense. In the second round of Brugler’s mock draft, the Broncos use their pick to select a standout linebacker. This addition fills another gap on the roster and boosts a defense that has had its fair share of struggles in recent seasons. Denver’s linebacker corps has been solid but unspectacular, and the team has been lacking a playmaking presence at this position. The prospect they selected in Brugler’s mock draft offers immediate potential as a game-changer. A sideline-to-sideline linebacker with the ability to disrupt plays, this prospect brings an element of athleticism and intelligence that the Broncos’ defense has been missing. Denver will be looking to add more speed to their defense, and this linebacker could provide exactly that.
By adding a player with high-level instincts and physicality, the Broncos will be able to enhance their ability to stop the run and cover in the passing game. While the Broncos’ defense has been one of their stronger units in recent years, they have lacked the ability to consistently stop opposing offenses, especially in high-pressure situations. Bringing in a dynamic linebacker can address some of these concerns, allowing Denver to be more versatile on defense and increasing the depth of their linebacker group. In a division that features powerful offenses, particularly from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, having an athletic linebacker to combat the speed and precision of those offenses is invaluable.
In the third round, Brugler has the Broncos picking up a wide receiver. The Broncos’ passing game has been another area of concern, and they recognize the importance of surrounding Russell Wilson with talented, reliable receivers. Denver has seen flashes of greatness from wideouts like Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, but consistency has been an issue. The addition of a new receiver provides another weapon for Wilson and gives the Broncos a fresh target to work with. This prospect brings exceptional route-running ability and solid hands, capable of creating separation from defenders and making plays in crucial moments. The addition of a third receiver gives Denver an opportunity to spread the field, forcing defenses to account for more threats and creating space for Wilson to make plays.
With this pick, the Broncos are investing in the future of their passing attack. Adding another playmaker at the wide receiver position will open up more opportunities for the offense. Denver has been too reliant on a small group of players, and bringing in a dynamic wideout will increase the depth of the receiving corps. As the Broncos continue to rebuild, they need to give Wilson as many tools as possible to succeed. A new, highly skilled receiver gives them the flexibility to work with different offensive schemes, whether they are trying to hit deep plays or working the intermediate routes. This selection represents a long-term investment in the offense’s potential.
In the fourth round, Brugler’s mock draft sees the Broncos address their secondary with the selection of a cornerback. While the Broncos’ secondary is strong, particularly with standout players like Patrick Surtain II, the cornerback position can always use more depth. Injuries and inconsistent performances have shown that the Broncos could benefit from another top-tier corner. The prospect selected here brings a wealth of talent and versatility to the position. He has the size, athleticism, and coverage skills to match up with elite wide receivers, and he has the ability to play both man and zone coverage effectively. In the high-flying AFC West, adding another corner to help handle the likes of Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and other star receivers is a critical move.
With a cornerback of this caliber, the Broncos will have the depth necessary to compete in one of the most competitive divisions in football. Not only does this selection shore up a potential weakness in the secondary, but it also provides the Broncos with more flexibility in how they can deploy their defensive backs. The prospect offers depth and competition at the cornerback position, ensuring that the team remains strong at one of the most important spots on the field.
The fifth and sixth rounds of Brugler’s mock draft see the Broncos adding depth to both their offensive and defensive lines. In the fifth, a defensive tackle is selected, helping to fortify a defensive front that could use some reinforcements. The Broncos have been strong up front on defense, but consistency and depth remain issues. Adding a big-bodied, run-stopping defensive tackle ensures that Denver can maintain a high level of physicality against the run while creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This selection will help round out their defensive line, providing more stability as they look to shut down the high-powered offenses in their division.
The sixth round features a selection of another offensive lineman, providing more depth to the line and increasing their options in the trenches. As they continue to prioritize protection for Russell Wilson and create space in the running game, this pick offers long-term value, allowing for competition and depth. The Broncos will need to continue to invest in the offensive line to ensure their success moving forward, and adding more talent at the position is a wise move.
In the seventh and final round of Brugler’s mock draft, the Broncos select a developmental quarterback. This is a move that signals long-term planning, especially as Russell Wilson’s future with the team becomes more uncertain. While Wilson still has plenty of talent, his performance over the last couple of seasons has raised questions about his long-term viability. Adding a quarterback in the draft allows the Broncos to develop a potential future starter while providing valuable depth at the position. This pick may not have an immediate impact, but it provides a long-term solution should Wilson’s struggles continue.
Overall, Dane Brugler’s mock draft for the Denver Broncos reflects a clear strategy to balance both immediate needs and long-term development. With a focus on strengthening the offensive line, adding depth to the defense, and surrounding Russell Wilson with additional talent, the Broncos are making significant strides toward becoming a competitive force once again. This draft could be the turning point for a franchise that has been in search of its identity, and it represents an important chapter in the franchise’s quest for relevancy in the AFC West.