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The Denver Broncos are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft without a first or third round pick, raising questions about their draft class's potential impact. Expectations are tempered as fans anticipate contributions from early round selections.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 21: Sean Payton, head coach of the Founders FFC looks on during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for for OBB Media - FANATICS STUDIOS) | Getty Images for for OBB Media -
Broncos Country, itās officially NFL Draft Week and you know what that means. Our annual Mile High Report NFL Draft Roundtable discussions are back! We have answered three questions relative to the Denver Broncos and their potential draft pursuits thus far. Now we are here again to discuss a fourth.
Without two top selections, itās hard to imagine this yearās draft class being a significant difference maker or needle mover in their 2026 quest for the franchiseās fourth Lombardi Trophy. Most years, fans have the expectation that early round picks should be able to come in right away in contribute, though a lot of teams, in particular the Broncos, seem to have a different vision or set of expectations that are player-based.
With that in mind I asked the staff āWhat are your expectations for this yearās draft class without a first and third round selection?
Taylor Kothe
Improved depth developing toward future starters. We may not have those two picks, but we do still have three picks in the top 111. Without a big immediate need for new starters, Iām good with taking some guys that need a year to grow into their upside and potential.
The Broncos' expectations are cautious, given they lack a first and third round pick, making it difficult for this draft class to significantly impact their quest for a Lombardi Trophy.
Not having a first round pick limits the Broncos' ability to select immediate impact players, forcing them to focus on developing talent from later rounds.
The primary challenge for the Broncos is the absence of top selections, which complicates their ability to acquire high-impact players to enhance their roster.
Sean Payton, the head coach, is likely leading the Broncos' draft discussions as they strategize around their limited selections.

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Tim Lynch
That truly depends on who they draft. They could get a guy like Anthony Hill, Jr. and see him compete for snaps all season long as a rookie. Or they could go defensive lineāwhich is pretty deep on Day 2āand see them develop that player along more slowly. The end result could still end up being a multi-year starter and good player. My expectations for any rookie class will be tempered anyway. Few come in and dominate from day one. Just look for progress.
Sadaraine
This is the NFL Draft. I have no expectations.Ā Each player is a role of the dice and anything contributions this year are extra icing on the cake. This roster is very sound top to bottom as far as having functional starters outside of inside linebacker.
Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann
This is a depth draft. Sean Payton loves players with high football IQ and guys who will buy into his culture. I love that approach especially when drafting for depth because you will easily hit in a few unlikely (or at least unpredicted) stars.
Christopher Hart
Despite not having two top picks, General Manager George Paton remarked during teamās pre-draft press conference that their expectations are very high. He mentioned past drafts (three lacking first-round picks) and some of the success they have had navigating drafts without a full slate of picks. That does give me confidence the Broncos can do it again.
However, my expectations arenāt as high as the decision makers finalizing draft plans inside their war room at Dove Valley. If they are able to find a year one difference maker with their top pick, that would be tremendous. Though I donāt think that necessarily has to happen in order for it to be a sound selection. Very few players make the collegiate to pro jump and take their rookie campaigns by storm. The further away you get from the first round, the harder that gets.
With their core of Day 3 picks, Iām hoping they can find players with traits that will eventually translate to become a starting caliber player. Positions like offensive line, defensive line, tight end, defensive back, and running back come to mind as areas where the team can find a developmental prospect to learn the system a year and be ready to contribute more significantly down the road.
So, my expectations? Find some prospects that can shore up areas with depth issues that have long-term questions in the starting lineup. If they can do that, Iāll be happy with their efforts.
What do you think, Broncos Country?
What are your expectations for the Broncosā presumptive 2026 draft class without two premium selections? Let me know what you think in the comments section.