The Denver Broncos enter the 2025
NFL Draft with a clear mission: add explosive offensive playmakers to support rising quarterback Bo Nix. Despite boasting the NFL’s 10th-best scoring offense in 2024, the Broncos reached the playoffs under challenging circumstances — no running back eclipsed 600 rushing yards, and no tight end topped 200 receiving yards. Denver was the only playoff team to post such underwhelming numbers.
In free agency, Denver lost running back Javonte Williams to the Dallas Cowboys but signed veteran tight end Evan Engram. While Engram offers versatility — the kind of “Joker” role head coach Sean Payton covets — the Broncos still need more dynamic talent around Nix.
Mock Draft: Broncos Target Tight End and Running Back Early
In a new five-round mock draft by Chad Reuter of
NFL.com,
the Broncos are projected to double down on offensive playmakers in the early rounds. Reuter has Denver selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round, passing on highly ranked North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton.
"It might be a tough call for the Broncos to choose between Loveland and Omarion Hampton if both are available. I'll go with the agile, sure-handed Loveland to team up with Evan Engram, who turns 31 in September and is coming off shoulder surgery," Reuter explained. "That would give quarterback Bo Nix a reliable tight end duo to develop with."
Loveland brings strong collegiate production and championship experience. In Michigan’s 2023 national title season, he posted 45 receptions for 649 yards and 4 touchdowns. Despite losing quarterback J.J. McCarthy and head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2024, Loveland increased his catch total to 56, adding 582 yards and five touchdowns. He finished his career as a second-team All-American.
Round 2: Speedy Texas RB Jaydon Blue Joins the Broncos Backfield
In Round 2, Reuter projects Denver selecting Texas running back Jaydon Blue, a dynamic athlete with 4.38-second 40-yard dash speed. With the top four running backs off the board, the Broncos land an all-purpose back capable of complementing Nix and igniting Sean Payton’s offense.
Blue saw limited action in his first two seasons at Texas, totaling 431 yards on 80 carries. But in 2024, he broke out with 730 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, and an impressive 42 receptions for 368 yards and 6 receiving TDs.
Broncos Building an Offense Around Bo Nix
With Engram already in place and the potential additions of Loveland and Blue, Denver is clearly focused on building a well-rounded offense tailored to Bo Nix’s strengths. As Sean Payton continues to shape his roster, expect the Broncos to keep prioritizing versatility and speed — two pillars of success in today’s NFL.
