Which mock draft scenario do you like best?
It’s finally draft week, and we are just mere days away from the Broncos being on the clock in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Unlike last year, where it was quarterback or bust, the Broncos could go in several ways in the first round. They could add a running back, a pass-catcher at tight end or receiver, add one of the top defensive line players, or decide to trade back and acquire more picks.
I will use the Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator to explore all seven possibilities and let you all choose which one you like better. To keep things simple, I will not be making any trades outside of the trade-back scenario and will try to keep things as realistic as possible. I will also try to switch each draft up and try not to select the same players over and over again.
1st scenario: UNC RB Omarion Hampton at 20th overall
Analysis
In this mock, I have the Broncos going with Omarion Hampton at 20th overall. He is a three-down back who should instantly improve the Broncos’ backfield. He has pass-catching upside, receiving upside, and is the powerful downhill runner that the Broncos are looking for.
Ferguson has local ties, was a teammate of Bo Nix at Oregon, and would give the Broncos another big receiving threat at the position. They need some receiving depth behind Engram, and I think he’ll be a solid addition to that room.
Tennessee IDL Omarr Norman-Lott is the nephew of defensive line coach Jamar Cain and would bring some pass-rush upside to the Broncos. He is more of a third-down/sub-package player, but he fits the attacking style of Vance Joseph’s scheme and has ties to Cain.
On day 3, I have the Broncos adding TeSlaa, who is a big-slot, who is a mean run defender in the 4th round. Then in the 6th round, I have them selecting the explosive potential ‘Joker’ running back Jaydon Blue, some offensive line depth with Lampkin, and more defensive line depth with the powerful Nazir Stackhouse.
2nd scenario: Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson at 20th overall
Analysis
Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson has picked up some steam recently, and in this scenario, I have them taking him at 20th overall. He is an explosive running back that checks a lot of boxes for a Sean Payton ‘Joker’ running back.
In the second round, I have them selecting explosive tight end, Elijah Arroyo. I see shades of Jimmy Graham in him and believe he has a chance to thrive in Sean Payton’s offense. In the third round, I have them selecting TCU wide receiver Jack Bech. He is a big slot with run-blocking potential who really fits the mold of a Payton player.
On day three, I have them selecting explosive defensive lineman Ty Robinson, who will add some depth to their rotation. In the sixth round, I have them adding Jacory Croskey-Merritt to their backfield to join TreVeyon Henderson. He is another explosive back who was the Shrine Game MVP. Trey Wedig adds some depth and versatility to the offensive line, and Jalin Walker adds depth and special-teams ability to the Broncos’ linebacker room.
3rd scenario: Michigan TE Colston Loveland at 20th overall
Analysis
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland was a popular mock draft pick before the Broncos signed veteran tight end Evan Engram. In this scenario, we’ll explore how their draft might look if they still drafted Loveland at 20th overall.
Loveland is coming off shoulder surgery and will be eased into action. Having Engram there will allow him to take things slowly without having to rush back into action. He would give the Broncos a big, long, and athletic tight end who could be Payton’s ‘Joker’ for years to come.
On day two, I have the Broncos selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. He thrived in a zone-blocking scheme and has some pass-catching upside as well. I like his fit with the Broncos, and he will likely be the week one starter at running back. In the third round, I have them selecting Stanford receiver Elic Ayomanor. He’s an excellent blocker and has the skill set that Payton typically looks for in a receiver.
On day three, I have the Broncos selecting Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell, who can provide depth all along the defensive line. In the sixth, I have them selecting Syracuse runner LeQuint Allen, who is an excellent pass blocker and catcher. He will be a third-down specialist and likely someone who catches 50+ balls in his rookie season. Elijah Ponder adds some pass rush depth while I have the Broncos finishing up their draft by selecting Willie Lampkin once again.
4th scenario: Ole Miss IDL Walter Nolen at 20th overall
Analysis
In this mock, I have the Broncos selecting Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen. He has been connected to the Broncos recently and is one of my favorite players in the draft. Nolen is an explosive gap shooter who provides pass rush and fits Joseph’s attacking style of defense.
In round two, we have Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo joining the Broncos. Earlier than I would probably take him, but he’s a violent runner with pass-catching upside who seems like a type of player Sean Payton would value. In the third round, I have them selecting another widely debated prospect in Harold Fannin Jr.. He was highly productive in college and will now serve as depth behind veteran Evan Engram.
On day three, I have the Broncos going with running back Brashard Smith. He’s a former receiver who transitioned to running back and has a skill set that fits the ‘Joker’ role for Sean Payton. In the sixth round, I have the Broncos going with physical wide receiver Bru McCoy, versatile offensive lineman Xavier Truss, and finally adding some safety depth with Craig Woodson.
5th scenario: Michigan IDL Kenneth Grant at 20th overall
Analysis
In this mock, I have the Broncos selecting Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. He is a massive disruptor in the middle of the defense who projects to be a dominant run defender who can push the pocket. The Broncos struggled in run defense late last season, and Grant would immediately help them in that area.
On day two, I have the Broncos adding powerful Ohio State runner Quinshon Judkins in the second round and then addressing the offensive line with talented offensive lineman Miles Fraizer.
On day three, I have the Broncos selecting Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II to serve as depth behind veteran Evan Engram in the fourth round. In the sixth round, I have them adding pass-catching back Woody Marks, talented edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein, and run-blocking specialist Jackson Hawes.
6th scenario: Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka at 20th overall
Analysis
In this mock, I have the Broncos addressing their wide receiver room in the first round, where they select Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. He’s a well-rounded slot receiver with the ability to play outside while also contributing as a run blocker. He would be a great addition to the Broncos’ wide receiver room.
On day two, I have the Broncos going with Ohio State runner Quinshon Judkins and Oregon tight end Caleb Ferguson in the third round. I’ve touched on both of these players already.
In the fourth round, I have them selecting ascending defensive lineman Vernon Broughton to add some depth. He is a large lineman with long arms and positional versatility to play all over. In the sixth round, I have them adding offensive line depth with Clay Webb, a receiving back in Trevor Etienne, and punter Alex Mastromanno with their final pick.
7th scenario: Trading back with the Browns
Trade details: Broncos trade their 20th overall to the Browns for their 33rd(2nd), 67th(3rd), 104th(4th), and 179th (6th) overall picks.
Analysis
I have the Broncos trading back with the Cleveland Browns, who are in search of their quarterback of the future. I have them trading their 20th overall selection to the Browns for their 33rd overall selection and three extra picks, a third, fourth, and sixth rounder. Added a little bit of a quarterback tax to this deal. They will jump their divisional rival Steelers, to select their quarterback.
It has been rumored that if the Broncos trade back, LSU tight end Mason Taylor is a name to watch. He is the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, and would give the Broncos a high-upside tight end to play behind Evan Engram. With their other second-round pick, I have them addressing their running back room with Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins.
In the third round, I have them adding massive run defender Alfred Collins and explosive running back Bhayshul Tuten. Pairing powerful runner Judkins with the explosive Tuten would give the Broncos a dynamic one-two punch in their backfield.
In the fourth round, I have them adding intriguing small-school lineman Jackson Slater, who could push for a starting job, and big slot Isaac TeSlaa to add depth at receiver. In the sixth round, I have them adding more defensive line depth with Georgia defensive lineman William Brinson, edge depth with edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein, adding punter Alex Mastomanno, and linebacker Jalin Walker with their final pick.