The Denver Broncos have been the subject of offensive additions in the NFL Draft, with analysts plugging in different wide receivers and running backs into the Broncos' draft slots. However, the defensive line is an important need for Denver, and they are set to host a defensive lineman for a top-30 visit.
According to Lucas Evans of The Denver Post, the Broncos are expected to host Texas Longhorns interior defensive lineman Vernon Broughton on a top-30 visit.
While not the most obvious need when looking at the Broncos depth chart, the defensive line is a key area for the Broncos to address in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are four key defensive lineman that are unrestricted free agents in 2026.
Zach Allen will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, as is Nik Bonitto, John Franklin-Meyers, and Malcolm Roach. All four have different roles, but each is valuable for the Broncos defense. Planning ahead by taking a defensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft is a smart move for the Broncos front office to make.
In his final year with Texas, Broughton had four sacks, 32 pressures, and 26 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Broughton is coming off his fifth collegiate season, all with Texas. It was his best year and first year as a full-time starter.
In three games during the College Football Playoffs, Broughton had 11 pressures and one sack, four more pressures than any other interior defender. Pro Football Focus has Broughton as the eighth-highest-graded interior defensive lineman for the 2024 regular and postseason.
The Broncos are bringing Broughton in for a top 30 visit, with his role likely to be a defensive end in a 3-4 alignment. His fit makes a lot of sense, and with his expected range to fall near the Broncos third round pick, his selection likely wouldn't be out of reach for Denver.
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This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM.