Experts grade Broncos' first-round 'pick' in 2026 NFL draft

TL;DR

The Denver Broncos did not select a player in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft but acquired star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle through a trade involving the 30th overall pick. Experts have graded this move, with ESPN giving it a B-.

Key points

Denver Broncos traded 30th overall pick to Miami Dolphins
Acquired star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle
Experts graded the Broncos' move, ESPN gave it a B-

Denver BroncosMiami DolphinsJaylen Waddle

The Denver Broncos did not make a pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday evening, but they do have a new player thanks to the 30th overall pick.

Denver traded that pick to the Miami Dolphins as part of a deal to acquire star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle last month. (Miami later flipped the pick to stockpile even more draft picks.)

So, the Broncos' first-round draft "pick" this year is essentially Waddle. Here's a sampling of how NFL experts graded the grade for Denver.

ESPN: B-

"I'm always hesitant about premier draft capital for veterans, but given the contract, the position and the limited contention window for Denver, I can see why they did this," said ESPN's Seth Walder.

CBS Sports: A-

"Free agency left Broncos fans with little reason for excitement, as their team was the only one to not sign a player from outside the building," said CBS Sports' Carter Bahn. "How quickly the narrative can change. Denver made one of the most aggressive trades of the offseason with a move that should give those in the Mile High City hope that their offense will take a leap forward in 2026."