The 2025 NFL Draft is now a week away, and NFL analysts are focusing on draft projections, including whom the Broncos could select with their initial picks. As we near the start of Round 1, we've curated several recent mocks from national reporters and analysts to compile the following overview:
Round 1, No. 20 overall:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"With his blend of patience, power and speed, the former Tar Heels back would help elevate Sean Payton's offense." [April 16]
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"I know it's a deep running back class, but this would be a good spot to get Hampton. He has three-down traits, and he could be coach Sean Payton's version of Alvin Kamara in Denver." [April 15]
Nick Wright, FOX Sports: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
"The Broncos add to Bo Nix's weapons with Luther Burden out of Missouri." [April15]
Nate Tice, Yahoo! Sports: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
"Warren's potential as a move-around chess piece makes him a fun potential fit with head coach Sean Payton, with his reliable hands and dynamic ability as an underneath weapon providing Bo Nix with a receiving option he can rely on and develop with." [April 16]
Marc Ross, NFL.com: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"Outside of the franchises lacking a starting quarterback, Denver might have the biggest need of any team entering the draft. The Broncos have struggled to run the ball under Sean Payton, so they finally solidify the ground game by adding this physical, bell-cow back." [April 17]
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
"The Broncos can use some extra punch to complement Nik Bonitto and newcomer Dre Greenlaw, and they should love Walker's explosive playmaking versatility under Vance Joseph." [April 16]
Adam Rank, NFL.com: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
"While you don't always want to draft for need, No. 20 is a pretty good spot for McMillan. Opinion on him is not unanimous -- Steve Smith Sr. asserted McMillan 'leaves a lot of plays on the field' -- but if you're convinced by the tape and believe he can be the guy to help Bo Nix, I'm good with it. This would be a solid, solid pick; think adding a Drake London-type for this offense." [April 15]
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"Hampton could provide next-level production after rushing for 15 TDs and at least 1,500 yards each of the past two seasons for the Tar Heels to go along with 67 total catches. Big (6-0, 221) and fast (4.4 speed), Hampton is also durable and used to carrying a heavy load if asked." [April 14]
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"They don't have a runner on the roster who gained over 600 yards last year. Hampton is the type of player who can be a a consistent 1,300-yard rusher. He's a home-run threat who can also pass protect, which is key." [April 9]
Mike Band, Next Gen Stats and NFL.com: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"Sean Payton's ideal running back -- think Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara or Deuce McAllister -- has traditionally featured a blend of size, burst, receiving skills and pass-protection ability. Hampton checks every box, running a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at 221 pounds after showcasing three-down ability at North Carolina." [April 14]
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
"Is Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; are Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs luxury picks? Because Jeanty is that type of impact back. He hasn't been used nearly as much in the pass game but that doesn't mean he can't do it -- just go look at his 2023 tape." [April 14]
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"Hampton is a big-bodied, fluid runner who would find a lot of room to run behind the Broncos' offensive line." [April 14]
Jordan Plocher, Pro Football Focus: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"The Michigan product posted a very impressive 2.67 yards per route run in 2024 to go along with his 90.6 PFF receiving grade. The pick should lead to an increase in the Broncos' use of 12 personnel." [April 14]
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
"Yes, a running back in the first round. It works here for a few reasons beyond's Jeanty's massive talent. Sean Payton would work him into space in the screen game, the Broncos have a strong offensive line, and Bo Nix needs a true bell cow in his offense." [April 16]
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"It might be a tough call for the Broncos to choose between Loveland and running back Omarion Hampton if both are available. I'll go with the agile, sure-handed Loveland to team up with Evan Engram, who turns 31 in September and is coming off shoulder surgery, as a nice tight end duo with whom quarterback Bo Nix can continue to grow." [April 4]
Round 2, No. 51 overall:
Field Yates, ESPN: TE Mason Taylor, LSU
"Denver signed Evan Engram this offseason, and it could really take the tight end room to the next level with Taylor. He's a natural pass catcher, but he also holds up very well as a blocker." [April 15]
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: EDGE Jordan Burch, Oregon
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: TE Mason Taylor, LSU
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: RB Jaydon Blue, Texas
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Round 3, No. 85 overall:
Yates, ESPN: WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
"Ayomanor would provide Denver with some solid 4.44 speed and good 6-foot-2 size at receiver. He could be developed for a Courtland Sutton-like role." [April 15]
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: DL Deone Walker, Kentucky
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: LB Chandler Martin, Memphis
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: TE Mason Taylor, LSU
Round 4, No. 122 overall:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: DT Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: S Jonah Sanker, Virginia
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
Round 6, No. 191 overall:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: C Drew Kendall, Boston College
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: WR Dominic Lovett, Georgia
Round 6, No. 197 overall:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: TE Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
Round 6, No. 208 overall:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: CB Marcus Harris, California
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: OL Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
