ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos added seven picks to their roster in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they brought in talent on offense, defense and special teams.
Combined with an active free agency period, Denver has added a slew of talent to its roster as the team looks to build on a playoff berth from a season ago.
While all teams still make some moves leading up to the season, the bulk of that work is done via free agency and the draft — which means the foundation of Denver's 2025 roster is in place.
With that context, DenverBroncos.com is taking a position-by-position look through the Broncos' roster — excluding reported college free-agent signings — as Denver approaches its on-field offseason work.
QUARTERBACK
Stability. That's the key word for the Broncos' quarterback room, as they've found their guy in Bo Nix. In 2024, Nix led all rookie quarterbacks in touchdown passes and passing yards, and Denver moves into 2025 with no questions about the position. The Broncos also re-signed Jarrett Stidham, who returns for a third season in Denver. The lone addition to the room is 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger, who started three games and appeared in eight for the Colts since being drafted.
RUNNING BACK
After Javonte Williams signed with the Cowboys in free agency, Denver looked to the draft to add to their backfield. The Broncos used a second-round selection on the explosive RJ Harvey. A 5-foot-8, 205-pound player, Harvey scored 22 touchdowns in his final season at UCF and led the nation with the percentage of his runs that went for at least 10 yards. The Broncos' leading rusher among its returning backs is Jaleel McLaughlin, who enters his third season after rushing for 496 yards in 2024. Audric Estime, a 2024 fifth-round pick, and Blake Watson will also aim to contribute in Year 2. Tyler Badie, meanwhile, will look to build off a couple of early strong performances he turned in before injury shortened his 2025 season. Veteran fullback Michael Burton — who is also a valuable special teams contributor — re-signed with the team to remain in Denver.
WIDE RECEIVER
Denver returns its top three leading receivers from 2024 in Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele — and the Broncos will hope to see Vele and Troy Franklin continue to take strides in Year 2. Sutton posted his first 1,000-yard season since 2019 as he caught passes from Nix, while Mims surged late in the year and had a pair of 100-yard games in the final five weeks. Michael Bandy and A.T. Perry also return to Denver, while the team added veteran receiver and special teams contributor Trent Sherfield Sr. in free agency. Denver also spent a Day 2 pick on a receiver, as the Broncos selected Illinois receiver Pat Bryant with the 74th-overall pick. Head Coach Sean Payton compared Bryant’s traits to those of former Saints All-Pro Michael Thomas.
TIGHT END
Denver's big free-agent signing on the offensive side of the ball came at the tight end position, with the Broncos bringing in two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram. As recently as two seasons ago, Engram caught 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns, and Head Coach Sean Payton said Engram profiles as a desired "Joker" player. Denver also returns Adam Trautman — who led all Broncos tight ends in receiving in 2024 — as well as Lucas Krull, Nate Adkins and Thomas Yassmin. With their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Broncos added developmental tight end Caleb Lohner, who began playing football in his final year of college.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Broncos entered the offseason with uncommon consistency upfront, as all five of Denver's starters from 2024 return for another season. In addition to starting tackles Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, Denver returns young players in Frank Crum and Alex Palczewski. The Broncos also re-signed Matt Peart, who appeared in all 17 games and started a pair of contests in 2024. Calvin Throckmorton, Nick Gargiulo and Will Sherman remain depth pieces behind Quinn Meinerz and Ben Powers at guard, while Luke Wattenberg and Alex Forsyth return at center.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Broncos had similarly little turnover along the defensive line, as 2024 starters Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers and D.J. Jones are poised to be back in Denver. Jones signed a three-year contract in the offseason to remain with the Broncos, and the veteran player will aim to help the Broncos' defensive front remain strong. Malcolm Roach — who General Manager George Paton said could have been the best free-agent addition of the offseason — returns to help bolster the unit. Jordan Jackson, Eyioma Uwazurike and Matt Henningsen also saw action in 2024, and Denver added an intriguing third-round prospect in Sai'vion Jones in the draft.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
The Broncos' outside linebacking corps broke out in 2024, as Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper each posted double-digit sack seasons for the first time in their respective careers. Dondrea Tillman, who played in the United States Football League, added five sacks of his own, and third-round pick Jonah Elliss also tossed in another five sacks. Fourth-round addition Que Robinson will be among the other players to compete at the position. After selecting the Alabama product, the Broncos spoke to Robinson's ability to contribute as a special teamer while also developing as a rusher.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
The Broncos' inside linebacker corps should look different than it did at the end of the season, as Denver made a significant free-agent addition with the signing of Dre Greenlaw. The 6-foot, 230-pound player could be a dynamic player in the middle of Denver's defense. The Broncos could also benefit from the return of Alex Singleton, who is working his way back from an ACL injury he suffered in Week 3 against the Bucs. The Broncos also said former third-round pick Drew Sanders will likely move to play at inside linebacker. Denver re-signed Justin Strnad during free agency, while Levelle Bailey is among the other players who return to Denver.
DEFENSIVE BACK
The Broncos made a splash in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting a versatile weapon in Jahdae Barron. In a deep cornerback room, Denver now has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, Barron and a slew of experienced players that include 2024 starters Riley Moss and slot cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian. Second-year player Kris Abrams-Draine and veteran Damarri Mathis are among a number of other options who have NFL experience. At safety, the Broncos also made a big-time move with the acquisition of former first-team All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga in free agency. Brandon Jones returns for his second season, while P.J. Locke has two years of starting experience as he enters the sixth year of his career. Former draft picks JL Skinner and Delarrin Turner-Yell are among Denver's former draft picks who will compete for roles, while Devon Key, Tanner McCalister and Keidron Smith are among the other players who earned playing time in 2024. Denver also added Sam Franklin Jr. — a veteran player with starting experience and plenty of special teams reps — in free agency. Following the loss of Tremon Smith in free agency, Franklin could be among the players — Sherfield could be another — to help replace his contributions on special teams.
SPECIAL TEAMS
While Wil Lutz remains the Broncos' kicker after another strong season, the Broncos signed punter Matt Haack in free agency after Riley Dixon departed for the Buccaneers. Denver then added Florida punter Jeremy Crawshaw with the final pick of the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At long snapper, the Broncos re-signed Mitchell Fraboni in free agency and recently added Zach Triner.
