The Denver Broncos had a phenomenal season and nearly advanced to the Super Bowl in 2025 but need to add reinforcements in the draft.
The Denver Broncos already have a new look after several coaches were either fired, promoted or poached by another team.
As far as player personnel, the team may have a vastly different look as well, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Although the Broncos' defense has been one of the best units in the National Football League over the past few seasons, numerous players are aging and headed to free agency.
Star players like defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, linebacker Alex Singleton and linebacker Justin Strnad will need to be replaced if they aren’t re-signed, and the draft is the perfect opportunity to do so.
ESPN’s Matt Miller went to the Senior Bowl last week to do extensive research on over 100 draft prospects and created a mock draft for the first two rounds, with the Broncos drafting a linebacker in the first round and a wide receiver in the second round.
With the 30th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Miller predicts the Broncos will select standout LB Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas.
“Broncos fans have been begging for more explosive linebackers, and Hill might be the most impressive mover at the position in this draft class. He also brings the added bonus of being a reliable pass rusher when asked to line up on the edge,” Miller wrote Monday.
“Hill's 17 career sacks indicate that he could have a future on the edge, but he doesn't have full-time defensive end size at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds. The Broncos have found success with smaller rushers like Nik Bonitto (6-3, 240) and could use Hill in a stack role while letting him be a sub-package rusher to frustrate offenses.”
Hill is a freak athlete who uses his strength to win battles off the edge and has a keen sense of knowing what’s coming. He excels at stopping the run but isn’t a slouch in coverage by any means.
Hill does have some technique issues and tends to get overaggressive from time to time, but once his technique is refined by NFL coaching, he has the potential to be a star in this league.
With the 62nd pick, Miller has Denver grabbing Louisville WR Chris Bell.
“A late-season ACL tear will push Bell down draft boards, but he's a potential steal for a team that can be patient with his rehab. Bell is a big run-after-catch threat, and his size (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) is what Broncos coach Sean Payton covets from his wideouts.”
Bell is a fast runner with excellent hands, a great combination for yards after the catch. Bell has a similar playstyle to that of Broncos WR Courtland Sutton, a deep-threat ‘X’ receiver who excels downfield with great concentration and focus.
Given all the recent drama with Head Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix regarding injury, the Broncos could pass on Bell if they don’t like what they see with his medical history.