5 biggest roster needs for Broncos ahead of 2026 NFL draft

After going 14-3 during the 2025 regular season and reaching the AFC Championship game before bowing out of the playoffs with a backup quarterback under center, the Denver Broncos are going into the 2026 campaign with many of their key players returning, including a now-healthy starting quarterback in Bo Nix.

After retaining most of their in-house free agents, the Broncos do not have many glaring roster needs going into the 2026 NFL draft, which is a great position to be in. Denver can largely focus on selecting the "best player available" at each spot, although needs always come into play, no matter what teams might say publicly.

With the start of the draft now just two days away, here's a quick look at what we believe are the Broncos' five biggest roster needs.

Broncos draft needs

1. Tight end: Evan Engram will turn 32 in September, and he underwhelmed in his first season in Denver. Even if Engram takes a big step forward in Year 2, the Broncos need to begin planning ahead at the position.

2. Running back: The Broncos' ground game took a huge dive after J.K. Dobbins went down with an injury last fall. Denver needs to add another running back to improve the room's depth — drafting one who can pass block would be a big bonus.

3. Defensive line: John Franklin-Myers was the club's one big loss during NFL free agency.  Sai’vion Jones and appear to be the  to replace JFM, but the team needs more depth in the trenches.