Five defensive players I think the Broncos should draft in the 2nd round

Florida DT Caleb Banks

Banks has first-round talent, but his production and injury history could have him slipping a bit during the draft.

Despite having all the size, length, athleticism, and talent, Caleb Banks never put it fully together in college, despite having flashes of brilliance. On top of that, he has dealt with multiple foot injuries, including suffering a broken foot while working out at the Combine. So, with those red flags, a talent like Banks could slip to the Broncos in the second round.

He dominated at the Senior Bowl, tested very well at the Combine despite having a broken foot, and he has first-round talent. If the Broncos are comfortable with his medicals (they did have a top-30 visit with him), I could see them pouncing here.

You need to continue to add to your trenches, and the Broncos did lose veteran John Franklin-Myers to free agency. So, if you have the chance to add a 6-6, 327-pound lineman with 35-inch arms and pass rush upside, you do it.

LSU S AJ Haulcy

I know, another defensive back early will get some fans worked up, but safety is a low-key need for the Broncos.

Brandon Jones is in the final year of his deal with the Broncos and is coming off a season-ending pectoral injury, and Talanoa Hufanga is a physical player with an injury history. On top of that, they lost PJ Locke, who was their third safety, and have Devon Key, JL Skinner, and Tycen Anderson as their depth. Those three combine for a total of 2 starts, all of which came from Key in 2024, and he did not play well at all.

Haulcy would give the Broncos a talented third safety who could play either safety position and a player who could potentially replace Brandon Jones next season.

I like Haulcy’s overall game. He has some ball-hawking traits, which is always good, isn’t afraid to get involved in the run game, is a physical player, can cover the deep middle, and would just be a talented addition to the Broncos’ secondary.

Texas Tech NT Lee Hunter

If the Broncos are looking to add some size, strength, and run-stopping ability to their defensive line, then Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter makes a lot of sense for them. He is a stout run defender who can be an imposing run defender in the middle of your defensive line.

The Broncos have DJ Jones, but he is 31 years old, and they can get out of his contract next season. On top of that, they have struggled to stop the Buffalo Bills’ running game in back-to-back postseason games, so adding a big run defender like Lee Hunter should help with that.

He doesn’t offer much in the way of pass rush, so he will not be replacing John Franklin-Myers, but he would improve the Broncos’ overall run defense if selected.

Miami CB/S Keionte Scott

He is one of my favorite players in this draft and would be a great fit in Vance Joseph’s defense.

Scott profiles as an undersized but physical safety who can also be a versatile slot corner in the NFL. The Broncos need to add some depth at the safety position, as I noted earlier, but could add some depth at corner as well. Remember, both Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian are free agents next season (as is safety Brandon Jones), and the Broncos have to sign quarterback Bo Nix to a big contract extension yet. So, they cannot re-sign all their players, and I believe they could target Scott as a potential Jones or McMillian replacement.

I know another defensive back early will upset some fans, but looking ahead to next year, it makes sense. At best, they are re-signing one of Moss and McMillian, Jones is a free agent, and ideally, Jahdae Barron can push for a starting job at either corner position. With Nix due for a large extension, you need to load up and plan for the future at key positions, and I could see the Broncos doing that here.

Is this likely? Probably not, but like my Ted Hurst addition in my offensive players piece, it would make sense even though it’s not likely.