Field Yates predicts the Denver Broncos will draft Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter, a tough, instinctive run defender, at No. 62, bolstering their defense.
The Denver Broncos got off to a very slow start in free agency, which was a big surprise to many.
While it's not a free agency move, the Broncos sure silenced some of those worries by acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Waddle gives quarterback Bo Nix another top-tier option on offense, and Waddle is under contract for the next few seasons, which is good news for Denver.
The tough part is that the Broncos gave up this year's first-round pick in the Waddle trade, but it's hard to argue against it since it would be difficult to find that type of immediate impact player with pick No. 30.
The Broncos have needs, and defensive tackle is a big one after John-Franklin Myers signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
ESPN's Field Yates put together a new two-round mock draft, which means the Broncos only have one selection, and it comes at No. 62.
Yates has Denver addressing defense, but not defensive tackle. Instead, he has Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter as the pick.
"Denver made its big splash to add Jaylen Waddle, a move that was logical in part because the roster has so few limitations...Trotter is one of my favorite fits in this round. He's a tough, hard-nosed and instinctive run defender in traffic who could slide into coordinator Vance Joseph's defense," Yates wrote.
Another mock had tight end Eli Stowers as the pick, and tight end is another position the Broncos need to address at some point. However, Yates has Stowers going earlier in the second round to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is possibly a reason why the Broncos go with Trotter here.
Trotter played 2024 in West Virginia and then 2025 in Missouri, and he had 177 total tackles with 2.5 sacks combined over the past two seasons.
Trotter is in the top-50 for some, so his even being on the board at No. 62 would be a huge steal for the Broncos.
Trotter is a player who can make an impact right away, and with the Broncos making a run to the AFC title game this past season and acquiring Waddle, the Super Bowl hopes are real in Denver.
Vance Joseph loves these types of football players, so this makes sense for a lot of reasons for the Broncos.
If Trotter is available, it would be hard to pass up on this type of talent, even with defensive tackle and tight end as more glaring needs.