The Denver Broncos are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty, reflecting the broader dynamics of a team at a crossroads. After a tumultuous 2024 season, which saw the Broncos show flashes of brilliance while struggling with consistency, the upcoming draft will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future. Analysts, fans, and experts alike are eagerly speculating on how Denver will approach their selections, with particular focus on their needs and the potential prospects who could fill them. With several positions of need on both sides of the ball, the Broncos’ front office faces a critical decision-making process in their attempt to restore the franchise to contender status.
The first thing that stands out when examining the Broncos’ draft plans is their relative lack of high picks. Having traded away multiple future first-round selections in the past to acquire players like Russell Wilson, the Broncos are once again sitting outside the top 10 in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the absence of these premium picks means that Denver will need to maximize the value of their selections, the team still possesses significant talent at key positions, which will allow them to focus on specific areas of improvement. This draft is shaping up to be crucial in determining the long-term trajectory of the franchise. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most recent mock draft projections for the Denver Broncos, and how analysts are envisioning the team’s path forward.
One area that continues to be a focal point in mock draft projections is the Broncos’ offensive line. Despite boasting a talented roster on paper, the team’s offensive line has been inconsistent, particularly in pass protection. This has been a critical issue for Russell Wilson, who, while still a dynamic quarterback, is not as mobile as he once was. The Broncos need to improve the interior of their offensive line and provide Wilson with a clean pocket, or they risk wasting another season of his career. Analysts are leaning toward Denver targeting a standout offensive lineman with their first pick in the 2025 draft.
Several names have surfaced in mock drafts, with the most popular being offensive tackle, Zayden Williams from the University of Alabama. Williams is a towering presence on the field, standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 320 pounds. A powerful and technically sound blocker, Williams excels in both run blocking and pass protection, and many analysts believe he has the potential to be a day-one starter for any NFL team. His ability to control defenders at the line of scrimmage, along with his versatility to play both tackle positions, makes him an intriguing option for the Broncos. His addition could immediately shore up the left tackle spot and provide Wilson with more time to make plays in the pocket.
Another player who could be in play for the Broncos in the first round is interior offensive lineman, Mason Bennett, from the University of Michigan. Bennett is considered one of the best guard prospects in the class, and his combination of size, strength, and technical prowess has made him a popular choice among analysts. He could be an immediate upgrade over the Broncos’ current starting guards, giving the team the kind of stability and protection that has been lacking in recent years. Bennett’s physicality and drive could also contribute to a more potent ground game, which has been another area where the Broncos have struggled.
In addition to the offensive line, the Broncos’ defense remains a priority in the draft. The team has some standout players, but there are still areas that need addressing. While the Broncos’ secondary is often regarded as one of the league’s best, their pass rush has been inconsistent at times, and they could use a young edge rusher to bolster their defense. One name that has popped up frequently in mock drafts is edge rusher Carter Franklin from the University of Georgia. Franklin is an explosive pass rusher with a relentless motor, and his ability to bend around the edge makes him a potential game-changer. Analysts see him as a player who could develop into a double-digit sack artist in the NFL, and his addition would give the Broncos’ defense another dynamic playmaker who can generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Another defensive prospect drawing attention is linebacker Malik Jennings from Texas A&M. While the Broncos have solid starters at linebacker, Jennings offers a unique blend of speed, athleticism, and football IQ that could make him an immediate contributor to the team. The Broncos could use a linebacker who can cover ground quickly and make plays in space, particularly against fast, high-powered offenses. Jennings’ ability to stop the run while also being a reliable option in coverage could provide Denver with the versatility they need on defense. His leadership and football intelligence could also serve as an asset in terms of defensive playcalling and adjustments, especially with a defense that has shown some signs of inconsistency in recent seasons.
Quarterback remains a point of discussion as well, though it seems unlikely the Broncos will prioritize the position in the first round. Russell Wilson’s future is still very much a question mark, and while he remains one of the more talented quarterbacks in the league, there is a growing sense that the Broncos will need to develop a successor sooner rather than later. Mock drafts have occasionally mentioned quarterbacks like Tanner Sparks from the University of Washington or Max Miller from USC as potential options in the later rounds. Both quarterbacks have shown promise in college, and their skills could make them viable options to develop behind Wilson. That said, the Broncos are likely to focus on immediate needs, and the quarterback position may not be a priority until the later rounds of the draft or even in the next draft.
In terms of wide receiver, the Broncos are relatively stable with Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick, but they could still look to add depth and competition at the position. A common name in mock drafts for Denver’s wide receiver group is Ezekiel Pruitt from the University of Ohio. Pruitt is a physically gifted wide receiver with elite speed and excellent route-running ability. He has the potential to be a deep-threat option for Wilson, which could help stretch defenses and create more opportunities in the passing game. With Jeudy’s future with the Broncos uncertain, adding a receiver like Pruitt could give the team a future playmaker who could step in as a top target down the road.
While many of the projections focus on filling immediate needs, there is also the broader question of how the Broncos will handle the draft in terms of overall philosophy. Some analysts have suggested that Denver could look to trade up in the first round if there is a player they truly believe can make an impact immediately. Others have suggested that the Broncos might prefer to stand pat and accumulate as many picks as possible, building for the long-term future by addressing both depth and starting roles across the roster.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos are in a critical position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. While their roster is far from a finished product, the team has several young, talented pieces to build around. The key to their success in the upcoming draft will be balancing the need for immediate contributors with the long-term vision of the franchise. Whether it’s bolstering the offensive line, improving the pass rush, or adding depth at key skill positions, the Broncos have numerous areas that need attention. As analysts continue to debate the best course of action, one thing is clear: the 2025 NFL Draft could be a turning point for the Denver Broncos, determining whether they continue to chase relevance or finally break through as a contender once again.