The Denver Broncos made waves in the NFL community when they used their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on defensive back Jahdae Barron. Barron's rookie season didn't quite live up to the first-round expectations, leaving fans eager for more impact from such a high selection.
Fast forward to 2026, and the Broncos are once again in a pivotal position with the 30th overall pick. There's buzz around whether Denver might trade this pick for a high-caliber player like Jaylen Waddle. However, if they decide to hold onto it, they'll need to get creative, as the draft class lacks depth in first-round talent.
Enter Mel Kiper, the NFL Draft aficionado, who has the Broncos taking a surprising route by selecting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at pick 30. Kiper's rationale hinges on Denver's long-term vision for their secondary, despite already having a strong safety duo in Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones.
McNeil-Warren is considered a sleeper pick, with potential that could have landed him in the top 15 if he played for a more prominent program. His standout performance against Kentucky, where he logged 11 tackles and a fumble recovery, underscores his raw talent. Over his collegiate career, he's amassed five interceptions and 12 forced fumbles, showcasing his knack for big plays.
However, the choice of a safety in the first round raises eyebrows. The Broncos' current safety lineup is formidable, with Jones and Hufanga ranking among the top duos in the league. Given the depth of the safety market in free agency, Denver has historically bolstered its defense through these channels, suggesting they might continue this strategy.
While safety is a future consideration, it's hard to justify it as a first-round priority when other positions like tight end, wide receiver, running back, defensive line, and linebacker present more immediate needs. Addressing safety in this draft isn't off the table, especially with Jones entering the final year of his contract, but using a first-round pick for this role seems like a stretch.
Ultimately, McNeil-Warren is undeniably a first-round talent, but the timing and positional need make this a controversial move. If circumstances were different, such as Jones nearing free agency or aging out, the pick might make more sense. For now, though, it feels like a potential repeat of last year's unmet expectations.