Broncos' top draft-related storylines heading into big event in Pittsburgh

Broncos' top draft-related storylines heading into big event in Pittsburgh originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away and as one of the biggest events on the annual NFL calendar, fans are usually buzzing with excitement and anticipation. For fans of the Denver Broncos, the expectation is that the team will put some finishing touches on what could be a championship roster.

The Broncos don't own a first-round selection in this year's draft after sending it to the Miami Dolphins in the deal that landed Jaylen Waddle, but the team can still fill needs with the picks that it does still have.

For Broncos fans, what are the biggest storylines to follow heading into the three-day draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 23, from Pittsburgh? We have you covered here.

Denver Broncos top 2026 draft storylines

What is the team's top need?

The Broncos have a need for more depth at the inside linebacker, running back, tight end and defensive line positions. How they list these in order of priority is anyone's guess, but Sean Payton often employs a best player available strategy with his picks, so it may not even matter.

That said, the Broncos should strongly consider adding to each of these positions with some of their seven selections.

When will team select a running back?

If you were to talk to fans inside Broncos Country, the position they most likely want to see the team address is the running back spot. The lack of a rushing attack became a big reason why the Broncos failed to reach the Super Bowl last season and fans want to see the team do more than just re-sign last year's running back room, which, so far, is what has happened.

There are some strong running back prospects in this class and the Broncos need to find a way to get one of them.

Will the Broncos trade up in the second or third round?

A move up in the second round seems unlikely, but moving up in the third round is likely something that George Paton is very keen on. The last time the Broncos didn't make a selection in the third round was all the way back in 2009 and in recent years, Quinn Meinerz, Riley Moss, Jonah Elliss and Pat Bryant have been third-round choices.

Look for Paton to package some of his later picks to try and get into the third round.

Will the team select an offensive tackle?

Taking an offensive tackle didn't cross the minds of many, as it is not an immediate position of need. But with Mike McGlinchey (31) and Garett Bolles (33) getting up there in age, the Broncos could look to grab a prospect for the future at a premium position.

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This could even be the route the team takes with its first pick in the second round, should a player such as Max Iheanachor or Caleb Tiernan still be available when it goes on the clock with pick No. 62.

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