The Denver Broncos have made a splash by acquiring Jaylen Waddle, but as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, there are still some critical areas they need to address. The departure of defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans highlights the need for reinforcement on the defensive line, while the tight end and linebacker positions also demand attention.
While Denver's free agency moves have been relatively quiet, Waddle's addition is a game-changer for their offense. However, the Broncos lost a draft pick in the trade, which may lead them to explore signing free agents who might become available as cap casualties.
According to ESPN, the Broncos' primary needs are tight end, defensive line, and linebacker. Despite re-signing key players like tight end Adam Trautman, his limited role as a pass-catcher leaves room for improvement. Denver's tight ends combined for only three touchdowns last season, which isn't ideal for young quarterback Bo Nix.
Jordan Reid from ESPN has suggested that Stowers could be the "perfect addition" to Sean Payton's offense, making him a potential target for the Broncos.
The linebacker position also requires attention after Dre Greenlaw returned to the San Francisco 49ers. Although injuries and suspension limited his playtime, Greenlaw's presence on the field was significant, and Denver needs to find a way to fill that gap.
The Broncos may not have many glaring weaknesses, but the absence of a first-round pick, traded to Miami for Waddle, adds a layer of complexity to their draft strategy. All eyes will be on Denver as they navigate these challenges in the upcoming NFL Draft.