The Denver Broncos are eyeing the 30th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the possibilities are intriguing. While some fans might dream of trading this pick for a star player like Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos seem more inclined to hold onto it and select a promising prospect.
This year's draft class may not be the deepest overall, but it's rich in talent at tight end and inside linebacker-two areas where the Broncos could use reinforcements. Before the draft, they'll navigate free agency to address other roster needs, but the potential for a Super Bowl-caliber squad is within reach.
A standout candidate for their first-round pick is Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. He's been frequently linked to the Broncos, and for good reason.
Brett Kollmann recently shed light on Allen's impressive football IQ. At Georgia, Allen was often in charge on the field, handling calls and checks with minimal guidance from his coaches.
This level of autonomy and intelligence is exactly what the Broncos need, especially with inside linebacker being a critical position. Both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are set to hit free agency, and Dre Greenlaw didn't quite deliver this past season. Allen's leadership and understanding of the game could fill this gap effectively.
Lance Zierlein's draft profile on Allen paints a promising picture. Described as a "green dot" linebacker and team captain, Allen excels in toughness and control.
While he may not be the flashiest player, his ability to navigate run fits and leverage blocks is noteworthy. He's a reliable blitzer with solid coverage skills, making him a dependable choice for all three downs.
In Vance Joseph's complex defensive scheme, having a smart, communicative linebacker is essential. Greenlaw likened learning the playbook to learning a new language, highlighting the need for a player like Singleton who can communicate effectively. Drafting Allen would provide the Broncos with a long-term solution at linebacker and a new 'green dot' leader on the field.
Allen's credentials are backed by Georgia's impressive defensive stats in 2025, where they ranked 10th nationally in points allowed. He led the team in tackles and was a key contributor in tackles for loss and sacks.
While he may not be the biggest or fastest, his ability to excel in a defense akin to the NFL's makes him an ideal fit for Denver. Allen is poised to be a future NFL starter, enhancing the Broncos' defense significantly.