The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two months away, and NFL analysts are focusing on draft projections, including whom the Broncos could select with the 20th-overall pick in April's draft. 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:
Jordan Reid, ESPN: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
"He best projects as a strong safety who can play linebacker sporadically. That versatility allows him to roam the box and use his physicality against the run; he can also match up with running backs and tight ends in coverage. Emmanwori would give the Broncos more coverage options to complement a pass rush that led the NFL with 63 sacks this past season. Coach Sean Payton would love having him in his secondary." [March 4]
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
"Be it a 'joker' pass catcher or a dynamic running back, there is a good chance Denver will be hunting for an offensive difference-maker here. At 221 pounds, Hampton ripped off a 4.46 40 and 38-inch vertical, numbers that reflect the explosion he shows on the field." [March 4]
Bleacher Report: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"Loveland has the ability to elevate the Broncos' passing attack. Payton will love the combination of athleticism, sharp route-running/separation and size. Loveland is a great fit for the flex tight end role traditionally seen in the coach's offense." [March 4]
Nate Tice, Yahoo! Sports: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
"The Broncos can block, but they lacked the RB room in 2024 to fully take advantage of the designs and lanes created. Enter Jeanty, who doesn't really need a lane but more of a sliver to create explosive plays. Jeanty with Sean Payton and that Broncos offensive line is the heart eye emoji personified." [March 3]
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"Building around Bo Nix is likely to continue to be a priority. An athletic pass catcher with good size could be high on the Broncos' wish list." [March 3]
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
"Is Ashton Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; is 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 look at his 2023 tape). And, truth be told, he could end up going 10 picks higher." [March 4]
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
"The 6-foot-5 wide receiver has a big catch radius and runs with long strides. He's a possession receiver with good ball skills. Courtland Sutton and McMillan would give Denver a basketball team on the outside." [March 3]
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"Denver gets their mismatch player with the addition of Colston Loveland. Pay no mind to his production profile last year; the quarterback play in Michigan wouldn't be particularly friendly to any high-volume target. Payton will surely know how to get the most out of this supersized pass catcher and help offer the right kind of support around young quarterback Bo Nix." [March 3]
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"Broncos head coach Sean Payton discussed adding a "joker" offensive position this offseason — essentially, someone who can be a middle-of-the-field weapon as a tight end, wide receiver or running back. Loveland fits the bill, much like Brock Bowers did in last year's class." [March 3]
Jason McIntyre, FOX Sports: TE Harold Fannin, Bowling Green
"He faced only two ranked opponents in Penn State and Texas A&M — and he dominated both (19-282-2). Fannin is a big-time athlete who is going to be a hot name rising up the board for the next two months." [Feb. 28]
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan
"D.J. Jones is scheduled to hit free agency in a matter of weeks if the Broncos do not reach an agreement with him. Kenneth Grant steps in to provide immediate help as a run defender, but also gives them some juice as a pass rusher." [Feb. 27]
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"Sean Payton gets a talented receiving tight end to work the seam for Bo Nix." [Feb. 26]
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
"In this scenario, I can't imagine Sean Payton bypassing an RB1 with three-down ability and the potential to score from anywhere on the field. Jeanty is special, and his presence could ignite an offense primed to challenge Kansas City's longstanding AFC West supremacy as soon as next season." [Feb. 25]
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
"He has the ability to separate, and his 6-foot-5 frame makes it difficult for opponents to match up. Loveland would be quarterback Bo Nix's best friend in the pass game." [Feb. 25]
Round 2, No. 51 overall:
Jordan Reid, ESPN: TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami
"A versatile tight end has been a staple of Sean Payton's offenses, dating to his New Orleans days. Arroyo has plenty of potential at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. His breakout 2024 campaign showed how he can put linebackers in a bind by beating them in man coverage, while also scoping out holes in zone coverage." [March 4]
