What will the Broncos do in the NFL draft after trading their first-round pick?

The decision looms as the team approaches the three-day draft (April 23-25) held in Pittsburgh. The Denver Gazette seeks to answer that question with its first offseason mock draft.

There is a strong chance that the Broncos trade one or more of their remaining seven picks: 2nd round (62 overall), 4th (108), 4th (111), 5th (170), 7th (246), 7th (256), 7th (257). Here is a closer look at the team’s possible strategy without changing the draft order.

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (Second round, No. 62 overall)

There is a missing piece to unlock the potential of quarterback Bo Nix in his third NFL season: a dynamic pass-catching tight end. Evan Engram projected to fill that role last year but mostly fell short of lofty expectations. That’s why Denver held a formal interview with Stowers at the NFL Combine. He checks all the boxes. The 6-foot-4, 239-pound prospect just won the Mackey Award as the top tight end in college football. He logged 1,407 yards receiving and nine touchdowns over his last two seasons in the SEC. Stowers has instant-impact potential.

Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State (Fourth round, No. 108 overall)

The Broncos have a one-two punch at running back in 2026 behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. But Dobbins is injury plagued. Running back depth is thin. That’s why taking Allen makes sense to bolster the position. He touts big-play potential after 29 rushes at Penn State for at least 20 yards. Allen leads the 2026 draft class in career rushing yardage (4,167) despite being in a running back rotation for most of that span. Allen (5-11, 216) doesn’t need to contribute immediately. But his NFL potential is high with more development as a complete back.

Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri (Fourth round, No. 111 overall)

The Broncos let John Franklin-Myers walk in free agency, and he signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Titans. That creates a draft need in Denver that McClellan could certainly fill. It’s no surprise the Broncos brought him in for a predraft visit. McClellan combined for 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks over his last two seasons at Mizzou. He’s massive (6-4, 313) with among the largest hands in this class (11 inches). McClellan would be a strong Day 3 addition to the Broncos.

Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State (Fifth round, No. 170 overall)

The Broncos must prepare for the future at offensive tackle. Garett Bolles turns 34 next month. Mike McGlinchey is under contract through the 2027 season. Yes, they re-signed Alex Palczewski to a two-year extension this offseason. But look for the Broncos to add offensive tackle depth in the draft. Shelton’s background playing basketball shows up on film with rare athleticism for someone at his size (6-5, 313). He was a full-time starter for two seasons in the Big Ten. There is a lot to like about Shelton’s fit in Denver.

Eric Gentry, LB, USC (Seventh round, No. 246)

The Broncos said goodbye to insider linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency and coach Sean Payton suggested that edge rusher Jonah Elliss might change roles to help fill the void. Inside linebackers should still be prioritized in the draft. Gentry is one of the most intriguing project players in this class. He has rare length at the position (6-7, 221) with 35-inch arms. Gentry will need to add muscle mass to stuff NFL running backs. But his ability to cover in space will be coveted.

Thaddeus Dixon, DB, North Carolina (Seventh round, No. 256)

The Broncos selected cornerback Jahdae Barron with the No. 20 overall pick last year, and he did not earn a starting job. Such is life playing for one of the NFL’s top defenses. Expect the Broncos to keep loading up in the secondary with Dixon as a possible late-round target. The former JUCO transfer rose to prominence at Washington and North Carolina. His size and athleticism project well at the next level.

Collin Wright, DB, Stanford (Seventh round, No. 257)

Hello, Mr. Irrelevant. The Broncos last held the final pick of the draft in 2017 and selected Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly. In 2026, expect the team to make a far less polarizing selection. Wright is a former three-year starter and team captain at Stanford. He’s also got the versatility to play inside or outside cornerback. Wright would be a safe choice to help bolster defensive back depth.