The Denver Broncos head into the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a long time: momentum. After finally tasting legitimate playoff success for the first time in over a decade, this team isn’t just trying to get into the dance anymore - they’re trying to crash the VIP section. The quarterback situation is finally settled, which means the front office, led by GM George Paton, can shift its focus to fine-tuning the rest of the roster.
And while this spring may not carry the same pressure as years past - no desperate quarterback hunts, no major overhauls - that doesn’t mean there’s less work to be done. In fact, the challenge now is different: how do you build on success? How do you turn a playoff team into a perennial contender?
The Broncos have quietly laid the foundation for that transformation through the draft. Recent classes have delivered real contributors, and the latest batch looks like another strong group.
That gives Denver some breathing room heading into April. They’re not drafting out of desperation - they’re drafting for sustainability.
And that opens the door to addressing long-term needs that might not feel urgent now, but could become critical in a year or two.
Here are three positions the Broncos would be wise to target in the 2026 NFL Draft:
3. Offensive Tackle - Planning for the Future
Let’s be clear: the Broncos don’t need a starting offensive tackle tomorrow. But they will soon.
Garett Bolles turns 34 in May, and Mike McGlinchey isn’t far behind, hitting 32 before Week 1. That’s not an immediate crisis, but in NFL terms, it’s a blinking yellow light.
This is the perfect time to invest in a developmental tackle - someone who doesn’t need to be thrown into the fire right away but can learn behind two seasoned veterans. The Broncos can afford to be patient here.
Drafting a raw but high-upside tackle now could pay off in a big way down the line, especially if injuries or performance issues creep in. It’s about building depth today to avoid scrambling tomorrow.
2. Defensive Line - Reloading the Rotation
Denver has built a defensive identity around versatility and depth up front. They like to keep fresh bodies rotating through the trenches, and that approach only works if you’ve got the personnel to pull it off. But with John Franklin-Myers seemingly on his way out and at least one key free agent departure looming, the Broncos are going to need reinforcements.
Enter the draft.
Eyioma Uwazurike started earning more snaps late in the season, and that’s a promising sign. But adding a rookie to the mix - especially one who can be brought along slowly - makes a lot of sense.
This isn’t about finding a Day 1 starter. It’s about keeping the pipeline flowing, maintaining that rotation, and ensuring the Broncos can keep throwing fresh, disruptive bodies at opposing offenses.
1. Inside Linebacker - Injecting Youth and Speed
This one feels overdue.
The last time Denver drafted a true inside linebacker was Justin Strnad back in 2020. That’s a long time to go without adding fresh legs to a position group that thrives on range, reaction time, and physicality.
With Alex Singleton likely heading elsewhere in free agency, the Broncos suddenly find themselves thin in the middle. Dre Greenlaw is the lone returning contributor at inside linebacker, which leaves several spots up for grabs.
This is a golden opportunity to get younger and faster at a position that demands both. Drafting an athletic, instinctive linebacker who can grow into a bigger role would go a long way toward solidifying the second level of the defense. It’s not just about plugging a hole - it’s about reshaping the identity of the linebacker group for years to come.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are in a good spot - and that’s not something we’ve been able to say much over the past decade. But good teams don’t stand still.
They anticipate needs before they become problems. They draft not just for today, but for the next two or three seasons.
With a stable quarterback situation and a strong foundation already in place, Denver can afford to be strategic this April. That means taking the long view - and if they do, don’t be surprised if this team takes another big step forward in 2026.