Broncos draft review overlooks how the Jaylen Waddle trade changed everything

Mel Kiper Jr. handed Denver a C-plus, and it wasn’t a surprising call at first glance. The Broncos didn’t have picks in the first or second rounds, and only made one selection inside the top 100.

Without any top-tier prospects to headline the class, it makes sense that Denver’s haul wouldn’t stand out if the focus is on instant excitement over roster needs.

The Broncos weren’t looking to start from scratch. Sean Payton and George Paton already had their core pieces in place and needed to find affordable depth behind those starters.

That’s why judging this class on missing premium picks doesn’t tell the full story. It overlooks the reasons those picks weren’t there in the first place.

Denver’s draft didn’t get universal criticism

Not everyone viewed it the same way. NFL.com gave Denver an A minus, USA Today had it at B plus, and CBS Sports came in with a B.

That range of opinions tells the story. This wasn’t a class built to impress with big names or highlight picks—it was about filling gaps and adding depth.

If you were hoping for a future star from one of the top selections, that was never really on the table. But if you look at it as a way to strengthen the roster around the edges after landing Waddle, it starts to make more sense.

The Broncos took Tyler Onyedim, Jonah Coleman, Kage Casey, Justin Joly, Miles Scott, Dallen Bentley and Red Murdock. It’s not full of big names but those picks spread across defensive line, running back, offensive line, tight end and safety help.

How Sean Payton found his best fit in Jonah Coleman

Jonah Coleman was the clearest example. Sean Payton said the Broncos were looking for a specific type of runner, which explains why Coleman made sense even with J.K. Dobbins already on the roster.

He gives Denver physical early-down insurance, pass protection value, and a back who can survive contact. That is useful for a team trying to protect its quarterback and avoid leaning too hard on one veteran runner.

Payton also praised Coleman’s ability on third down. That matters because rookie backs do not earn trust in this offense by running hard alone.

They have to block pressure, understand protections, and keep the offense on schedule. Coleman’s fit is the point of the pick.

Denver’s draft plan was built around depth, not headlines

The Broncos’ 2026 class was never meant to generate buzz. It was about filling gaps and providing insurance for a team that had already made its splash by trading for Waddle.

This is where outside grades can miss the context. Teams chasing top-tier talent need headline picks. Teams with established cores are looking for injury cover, affordable backups, and prospects who can develop quietly behind veterans.

Onyedim adds depth to the defensive line rotation. Casey offers flexibility as a developmental lineman. Joly and Bentley bring competition at tight end, while Scott and Murdock provide fresh options on defence and special teams.

No one expects all of them to become long-term fixtures, but it’s clear there was a strategy in place that matched the roster’s needs post-trade.

This wasn’t a class built for instant excitement. The Broncos made their big move early, then focused on filling out the depth chart—something that won’t grab headlines but fits what they needed at this stage of their build.

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