Friday Faceoff: Which position should the Broncos target in the NFL draft?

Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor

Answer: Tight end

The Evan Engram experiment didn’t work for the Broncos.

Denver needs to be young and explosive at the tight end position, and it has a great chance in the upcoming draft.

The talk all offseason has been that the Broncos need more playmakers. Engram had a couple of big plays; the most memorable were against the Eagles and Commanders. But that was really it, he didn’t seem to be a big part of the game plan.

It is time for the Broncos to take another chance on an Oregon Duck.

Kenyon Sadiq is ranked as the top tight end in the draft and, according to ESPN, the 14th best player available in the draft. He played with current Broncos QB Bo Nix for one season and only had five catches, but the last two years has turned in better seasons, including eight touchdowns in 2025.

There is a good chance Sadiq will be gone by the Broncos’ pick at No. 30, so if he is guy they want, a move up will be needed. There are other options in the second round, like Cincinnati’s Joe Royer or Utah’s Dallen Bentley but Sadiq is the real prize at tight end.

The Broncos haven’t spent a higher draft pick on a tight end since Greg Dulcich in the third round of 2022. Denver took Caleb Lohner last year, but he never saw the field and was on the practice squad.

If Denver is serious about maximizing Nix’s rookie contract, it is time to get more playmakers, and a young tight end is good start.

Kyle Fredrickson, Broncos beat reporter

Answer: Inside linebacker

Give Dre Greenlaw credit for battling through injuries in his first Broncos season. But he is not a long-term answer at inside linebacker. The 28-year-old failed to stay healthy, again, with only eight games played in the regular season.

There are other question marks at ILB ahead of free agency, too, with decisions looming over the futures of Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.

The Broncos need a contingency plan to develop that position in the draft instead of free agency. There are plenty of intriguing options, too.

The Broncos would need to trade up to land one of two talented Ohio State inside linebackers in Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles. Both are expected to be taken in the top half of the first round. Denver has the draft capital to make bold moves on draft night — if the return makes sense.

The Broncos will have a better chance to select Texas inside linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. at the end of the first round or in the second round. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound prospect starred for the Longhorns as a second-team All-America selection as a junior. Hill missed just three tackles last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Denver needs a big investment at inside linebacker, and Hill fits the mold. He’s got the versatility to rush the passer, stuff the run and blanket tight ends in coverage. The Broncos should strongly consider using one of their first two draft selections on Hill.

Other inside linebackers to watch in later rounds? C.J. Allen (Georgia), Jake Golday (Cincinnati) and Josiah Trotter (Missouri) should also be on the Broncos’ radar.