The Denver Broncos have assembled a formidable roster for the coming season, but there is still work to be done. With that in mind, I asked the Mile High Report staff what they believe are the franchise’s biggest draft needs to address in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Broncos Country—it’s officially NFL Draft Week and you know what that means. Our annual Mile High Report NFL Draft Roundtable discussions are back!
The Denver Broncos have experienced quite the turnaround in short order. Despite the failed Russell Wilson trade and lacking premium selections for several years, Head Coach Sean Payton and his staff have changed the culture and mindset in the Mile High City. In just two years, the Broncos went from the abyss to being playoff contenders.
The future is certainly bright for the Broncos, but there is still room for improvement. In order to take the next step—competing for championships—they will have to find a few impact players in this year’s draft. But what positions should they focus on to help forge a championship caliber squad?
For our first installment of our five-part roundtable discussions, I asked the staff “What are the biggest needs for the Denver Broncos in the 2025 NFL Draft?”
Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann
The Broncos need a joker, and while Evan Engram can potentially be that for the Broncos, Sean Payton is going to be looking for a younger, more dynamic and longer-term solution. He loves his running backs and tight ends, but either needs to be more than just their position – a pass-catching running back or a blocking/catching tight end. On defense, I’m always down for more edge rushers and dominant linebackers…would love to see Broncos go after those early in the draft too.
Adam Malnati
On offense the big needs are running back and a playmaker. That could be the same guy or two different players and positions. On defense, as always, the Broncos need to find a linebacker that can own the middle of the field the way Al Wilson and Randy Gradishar did.
Scotty Payne
Finding playmakers is the priority. Surround Bo Nix with weapons. Get him a running back or two, a pass catching threat at tight end, and another receiver for him.
Taylor Kothe
The headliner, clearly, is running back. That’s the only true immediate/critical need. Outside of that, we need depth and talent at wide receiver and tight end. And on defense, reinforcements at linebacker and defensive line would be very welcomed.
Tim Lynch
I think the focus should be around playmakers on offense. Running back scores very highly on that list of needs, but I could see wide receiver or tight end being a high draft pick too. Defense is always in need of new talent as well, though that could be a Day 2 priority in this draft.
Get a talented back (or two) behind this line and thrive https://t.co/WOVlJpVVll
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) April 11, 2025
Joe Mahoney
The Broncos’ biggest needs in my opinion are running back, wide receiver, interior defensive line, and tight end.
Ian St. Clair
As others have noted so far, Denver needs to get playmakers on offense, especially at running back. I’d put running back at the top of the list, especially if one of the top backs is available for the Broncos via their pick or trading up. Getting a running back will open up so much more of Denver’s offense.
Christopher Hart
I agree with a lot of what has been said. Prioritizing playmakers to help Bo Nix and the offense to reach greater heights should be the focus of this year’s draft. The top need is running back. That’s easily where the most snaps are available to be taken by a rookie. Adding a tight end and wide receiver would be wise as well. I’m all about getting Nix more friends.
However, I’d state adding a future starter to the defensive line is the second biggest need for the team. With Zach Allen, Malcolm Roach, and John Franklin-Myers set to be free agents at the end of the 2025 season, Denver certainly needs a player capable of being a starter for the 2026 season.
Last but not least, I’d take a look at addressing the interior offensive line. Starting center Luke Wattenberg will be a free agent at the end of the year. Additionally, Ben Powers is a potential cut candidate for after the 2025 season due to his high salary cap number. Finding a player who has positional versatility on the inside would be a smart move for the team.
What do you think, Broncos Country?
In your opinion, what are the biggest draft needs for the Broncos? Sound off in the comments section and let us know what you think!