2025 NFL Draft: Hart’s final Broncos mock draft

Mile High Report’s Christopher Hart predicts what the Denver Broncos will do in the 2025 NFL Draft in his annual mock draft.

After months of waiting and anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Now all of Broncos Country is wondering what the Denver Broncos will do once they are officially on the clock.

Last year, I was correct with them taking quarterback Bo Nix but was wrong about the slotting. I also predicted the Broncos would move to the top of the fourth round and snag a receiver. They did so and opted for Troy Franklin instead of Javon Baker, who went a few selections later to the New England Patriots. As far as positional slating goes, my guess of a fifth-round running back came to fruition as well—and the team did add a defensive lineman—just not through the draft, but by trading for John Franklin-Myers.

That wasn’t too bad of an effort. Though I’ll say this year I’m not as confident in guessing as last year. Then again, when it comes to full mock drafts for particular teams, who ever really is? Nevertheless, I’ll give it my best and throw some darts on the board and issue out a full mock draft for Denver.

First Round Prediction — Snagging a workhorse running back

#20 Overall — Omarion Hampton, RB — North Carolina

There is no doubt finding a running back capable of making an immediate impact as a rookie will be a draft priority for the Broncos. While I do have some concerns with Hampton, he is my number two ranked back behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. He is a bulldozer that has ample experience as a gap and zone runner, is a quality pass protector, and shows above-average receiving skills as a safety valve out of the backfield.

Maybe the Broncos feel confident enough with regard to the depth of this year’s running back class to take a wait and see approach. Though I do have some worries about their remaining top guys being available with their second-round pick comes around. General Manager George Paton had mentioned how important it is to find a three-down back.

Some fans might not like the value of selecting a running back in round one. I hear those concerns but getting Bo Nix some friends and firepower on offense will be a priority for Denver. By snagging Hampton, the team can focus on other needs and in turn, become more aggressive pursuing other positions of need.

A Lofty Day 2 Prediction — A major trade up in round two, and a trade down in round three

Projected Trade — #33 Overall — Mason Taylor, TE — LSU

The Broncos send 51, a 2026 second-round pick, and 125 to the Cleveland Browns for 33.

Head Coach Sean Payton has a history of being aggressive pursuing his guys in the draft. That is at odds with General Manager George Paton, who likes to move back and accumulate picks. But with quarterback no longer being a need, perhaps Paton will be just fine with moving future picks in order to surround Nix with more weapons on offense.

ICYMI: The Broncos have traded up for wide receivers in back-to-back drafts.

Denver did bring in Evan Engram as a free agent—but he’s a short-term fix—not a long-term solution to the franchise’s need at tight end. With Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland being off the board, LSU standout Mason Taylor is the next best tight end in this year’s class. In this scenario, I have the Broncos trading the 51st selection and a future second-round pick and this year’s fourth-round pick to snag Taylor.

At just 20 years of age, a talented skillset, and Hall of Fame bloodlines, Taylor has the chance to grow into an impact player in the pros. If the Broncos were able to add both Hampton and Taylor with their first two picks, their offense should become much more efficient this coming season.

Projected Trade — #98 Overall — Jared Ivey, DL — Ole Miss

The Miami Dolphins send picks 98 and 150 to the Broncos for 85.

Given the big trade I had to get Taylor, the Broncos will have a bit of a wait until they are on the clock next. In a class lauded for its depth, that might make some of you guys dislike my mock draft endeavors thus far, but maybe this maneuver makes up for it.

In this scenario, I have the Broncos trading back in the third round and acquiring an extra fifth-round selection. Better yet? I have Ole Miss defensive lineman Jared Ivey falling to them to add talent to their defensive line.

Ivey didn’t post the best marks athletically during the pre-draft circuit, but he is a versatile defender capable of lining up across the Broncos’ defensive front. With Zach Allen, Malcolm Roach, and John Franklin-Myers set to hit free agency, I have no doubts the Broncos will take a swing on a developmental prospect in this year’s draft.

Ivey sports supreme length and violent hands at the point of attack and has the ability to eventually become a starter in the league. As a rookie, my vision for him is the team’s fifth defensive lineman who can help alleviate Allen’s 85-percent snap count, with the second-year hope of him being able to take over for Franklin-Myers.

Day 3 Predictions

In this part of the draft, you might be able to find a prospect with a handful of great traits. A lot of times, those guys are well-known prospects that may have fallen due to medical or character concerns. However, finding players who offer value on special teams and potential upside as a starter is usually a route teams go. It’s also a point in the draft where position coaches are often given an opportunity to pound the table and advocate for a particular prospect they love.

#150 Overall (via Miami) — Pat Bryant, WR — Illinois

Thus far, I’ve got the Broncos securing a top-notch running back, a talented tight end, and a future starter to bolster their defensive line. I’d say that’s a pretty successful draft thus far. But what’s missing from the equation?

The Broncos’ brass says they are confident in the players they have. I guess we’ll see how confident they are. But on Day 3, why not take a swing on another high upside prospect who could eventually carve himself a decent role in the pros?

Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant is a prospect that’s being slept on in this year’s class. Bryant had a breakout campaign with the Illini this past season posting 54 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. By all accounts, he has had an impressive pre-draft circuit, performed well and interviews, and his football intelligence is reportedly off the charts.

Teams looking for a physical receiver who blocks well, moves the chains, and shows quality contested catch ability will value his skillset. In my opinion, he would give the Broncos a quality developmental ‘X’ receiver and another target for Nix to help get their offense to the next level.

#191 Overall — Kobe King, LB — Penn State

Linebacker is a long-term need for the Broncos given the ambiguity surrounding Alex Singleton, Drew Sanders, and Justin Strnad being on just a one-year deal. Adding Dre Greenlaw via free agency was a smart move, but they could use a fourth linebacker in the mix that has good physical traits and special team’s upside.

I feel that Penn State product Kobe King is worth rolling the dice on if available at this point on Day 3. King has been extremely productive for the Nittany Lions the past two years as a starter. He had a breakout season in ‘24 and racked up 97 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. There wouldn’t be an expectation for him to start immediately, which is just fine.

Even so, I think he has the talent to compete for a starting position in 2026 but would give the Broncos a talented backup option that can be a core special teams player as a rookie.

#197 Overall — Hunter Wohler, S — Wisconsin

Day 3 of the NFL Draft also gives coaches an opportunity to pound the table for guys they may have coached elsewhere in their careers or have knowledge of. The connection Wohler has with Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Passing Game Coordinator Jim Leonhard is obvious. The Broncos have roughly ten safeties on their roster right now. Who ends up making the final roster will come down to who performs on special teams. Wohler’s size and physicality could make him an immediate special teams’ contributor for the team.

The Broncos have Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth at the center position. However, with Wattenberg scheduled to hit free agency, I could certainly see them adding another developmental prospect at the pivot in this year’s draft.

Jake Majors started 57 games on the interior for the Longhorns and is praised by his coaches and teammates for his leadership and character. He definitely needs to add more strength, but his experience and intangibles would be a welcome addition to any locker room.

#208 Overall — Jake Majors, C — Texas

The Broncos have Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth at the center position. However, with Wattenberg scheduled to hit free agency, I could certainly see them adding another developmental prospect at the pivot in this year’s draft.

Jake Majors started 57 games for the Longhorns in his collegiate career. While perusing interviews and articles. Majors is often praised by his coaches and teammates for his leadership and character. He definitely needs to add more strength and isn’t a year one starter, but his hefty experience and intangibles would be a welcome addition to any locker room and should give him a shot to start in the league.

What do you think, Broncos Country? Do you like this draft, do you hate it, or do you feel somewhere in the middle? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments section.