The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Denver Broncos, the biggest need is an obvious one: Tight end.
A long-term answer at tight end is a need with Evan Engram entering the final year of his contract. Engram had the third most receptions on the Broncos in 2025. He’s always been a productive pass catcher but not much of a blocker.
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Here’s everything you need to know about the Denver Broncos for this year’s draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster:
Denver Broncos NFL draft best prospect fit: Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Per USA TODAY’s Ayrton Ostly:
Denver has bigger needs than edge rusher but this fit feels too good to pass on. Thomas is in a similar mold to Nik Bonitto as an undersized rusher (6-foot-2, 241 pounds) who thrives as an instinctual rusher. He’s bendy and explosive and could join the Broncos’ rotation off the edge and continue their reign as one of the most productive pass-rushing units in the NFL.
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NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team
Denver Broncos NFL draft trade candidate: TE Evan Engram
Per USA TODAY’s Jack McKessy:
Engram’s back-loaded, two-year contract sees his cap hit jump from $6.1 million in 2025 to $14.1 million this year. The veteran tight end will turn 32 in September. He started two games in his first year in Denver, playing a career-low 42% of offensive snaps, and had his lowest yardage total in a full season since 2021. The Broncos could look to offload some of that contract burden and send Engram to a team in need of a tight end.
MORE: One player for all 32 teams who could be traded during the NFL draft
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Denver Broncos NFL draft picks by round
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
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No. 108 (4.8) from Saints
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No. 111 (4.11) from Dolphins
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
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No. 256 (7.40) Compensatory pick
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No. 257 (7.41) Compensatory pick
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Denver Broncos 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs, trade candidates