It’s mock draft season!
Using the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator, I did a seven-round pre-free agency mock draft for the Denver Broncos. To keep things simple, I did not do any trades and used the consensus draft board. Each Friday, leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, I will use the simulator to come up with a mock draft and explore multiple different scenarios for the Broncos.
In this mock, I am assuming the Broncos make a splash signing at running back while making minor moves at tight end and running back. This scenario will become a bit easier next week once we have an idea of how free agency will play out, but for now, we are left guessing.
This is just a fun exercise to explore different scenarios, players, and outcomes, but you can still feel free to tell me my mock draft sucks.
1st round - 30th overall: Georgia LB C.J. Allen
While I expect the Broncos to sign a veteran linebacker or re-sign Alex Singleton, they should not ignore the linebacker position. Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton are free agents, Dre Greenlaw has injury questions and the remaining depth is questionable at best.
Allen is a well-rounded and talented linebacker prospect who can start day one. He is a team leader, highly intelligent, and was the green dot wearer for the Georgia defense. He is exactly what the Broncos need at the position, and if he’s available at 30th overall, he would be an excellent pick for the Broncos.
2nd round - 62nd overall: Florida State IDL Darrell Jackson Jr.
With JFM likely leaving via free agency, I have the Broncos addressing their defensive line in the second round.
Jackson is a physical freak who comes in at nearly 6-6, 315 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms and 11-inch hands. He moves well for his size and would give the Broncos yet another massive defensive lineman who is a bit raw but has loads of potential. He can sit behind Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Malcolm Roach and push Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai’vion Jones, and others for playing time.
3rd round - 94th overall: Georgia TE Oscar Delp
I have the Broncos addressing their tight end room in round three by selecting Georgia tight end Oscar Delp. He can play in line, can block well, but also has untapped potential as a pass catcher. I want the Broncos to completely revamp their tight end room, and I believe Delp would be a solid addition to that room.
4th round - 108th overall: Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton
I believe the Broncos will add a veteran running back in free agency, but even then, they need better depth behind them. Singleton would give them a back with excellent size, speed, and athleticism who can contribute as a kick returner and push for third down work right away. He’s one of my favorite backs in the draft and I believe he would be an excellent addition to the Broncos’ running back room.
4th round - 130th overall: North Dakota State WR Bryce Lance
Bryce Lance is Trey Lance’s brother and would give the Broncos yet another big and explosive wide receiver. He reminds me a bit of Christian Watson, who also went to NDSU, and I believe he has similar upside to the Packers’ explosive wide receiver. He’s 6-3, 204 pounds with 4.34 speed and would give the Broncos yet another explosive wide receiver for quarterback Bo Nix.
5th round - 169th overall: Stanford TE Sam Roush
I believe he will go a bit earlier than this in the actual draft, but in this scenario, I have the Broncos doubling up at tight end and selecting run blocking specialist Sam Roush in the 5th round. He’s 6-6, 267 pounds, and ran a 4.7 at the Combine. He can play right away and would pair nicely with Delp, who I have the Broncos selecting in the 3rd round.
7th round - QB Haynes King, OT Carver Willis, and G Caden Barnett
These are all dart throws, so I am lumping them together.
Haynes King has some Taysom Hill to him, and the Broncos could be in the market for a QB3 if they do trade Jarrett Stidham. As for the final two picks, I have them adding some offensive line depth. I don’t know much about either player, but that’s the thought process here.