The Denver Broncos head into the 2026 offseason with a clear to-do list, and near the top of that list is upgrading the wide receiver room. It’s no secret that this group has struggled to consistently support Bo Nix, and the numbers don’t lie-Denver ranked second in the NFL in drops last season with 42.
Only Jacksonville had more. That’s not just a stat you gloss over; it’s a glaring issue that’s holding back an offense trying to find its rhythm.
The Broncos know it, too. There’s a growing expectation that they’ll take a big swing this offseason, whether that’s through free agency, a trade, or the draft.
The goal? Find a true WR1 who can be that go-to guy for Nix.
Courtland Sutton has had his moments, but the Broncos need someone who can consistently tilt the field and give their young quarterback a reliable target in high-leverage situations.
Enter CJ Daniels.
The Miami wideout is one of the more intriguing names in what’s shaping up to be a deep 2026 NFL Draft class at the receiver position. And while he might not be projected as a top-of-the-board WR1, Daniels brings a skill set that fits Sean Payton’s blueprint to a tee.
At 6'2", 205 pounds (unofficially), Daniels checks the physical boxes. But what really stands out is his mentality.
Payton has always valued receivers who are willing to do the dirty work-guys who block with purpose, finish plays, and bring a physical edge to the perimeter. That’s Daniels in a nutshell.
Miami’s wide receiver unit was arguably the best blocking group in college football last season, and Daniels was a big reason why. He doesn’t just get in the way-he finishes blocks.
He sets the tone. On a Broncos team that’s lacked consistent physicality in the run game, especially on the edges, that kind of presence could be a game-changer.
One clip in particular-Daniels springing running back Mark Fletcher with a perfectly timed block-tells you everything you need to know about his football DNA. This is a player who buys into the team concept and takes pride in doing the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.
But make no mistake-Daniels isn’t just a blocker. He can flat-out play.
He made his mark this season with a string of highlight-reel catches, including a jaw-dropping grab against Notre Dame that had social media buzzing. Was it luck?
Maybe. But when you make plays like that all year, it becomes clear-it’s not a fluke, it’s who you are.
Daniels has a knack for stretching the field, but what really separates him is his understanding of leverage and how to manipulate defensive backs. He’s a technician who knows how to get open, and he’s fearless when the ball’s in the air.
That’s backed up by the numbers. Among 2026 draft-eligible receivers, Daniels ranks fourth in career contested target success rate at 62.3%. That puts him in elite company and speaks to his ability to win tough matchups in traffic-something every quarterback values when the pocket collapses and the play breaks down.
For Bo Nix, who’s still settling into life as an NFL starter, having a receiver like Daniels could be a steadying force. He’s dependable, coachable, and tough-qualities that tend to translate well at the next level, even if the learning curve is steep.
The Broncos aren’t lacking options this offseason. The draft is loaded with pass-catching talent, and there are whispers that Denver could pursue a big-name receiver via trade as well. But adding a guy like Daniels would give them a versatile piece who can contribute right away and grow into a bigger role over time.
He may not be the headline-grabbing WR1 fans are hoping for, but Daniels brings something every good offense needs-a receiver who does the little things right, competes on every snap, and makes the tough catches when it matters most.
If Denver can pair a player like Daniels with a true top option on the outside, suddenly the outlook for their passing game-and for Bo Nix-starts to look a whole lot brighter heading into 2026.