The Denver Broncos' 2025 season came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, falling just short in a 10-7 AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots. It was the kind of game where the margin for error was razor-thin - a few pivotal plays, and every single one seemed to tilt New England’s way.
That’s playoff football. One bounce, one injury, one decision - and the trajectory of a season shifts.
Bo Nix’s injury loomed large. The rookie quarterback had been a steadying presence throughout the year, showing poise beyond his experience and giving Denver a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run. His exit changed the complexion of the game, and while we’ll never know for sure how things might’ve played out, it’s fair to say the Broncos were right there, knocking on the door of Super Bowl 60.
But now, the page turns.
With the loss, the Broncos are locked into the 30th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The final draft order is still being finalized as the postseason wraps up, but Denver’s position is set based on their playoff exit and regular season record. The Rams, who had a worse regular season record, will pick 29th, slotting the Broncos right behind them.
Here’s how the top of the 2026 NFL Draft order currently stands:
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers
- Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Chicago Bears
- Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Rams
- Denver Broncos
31-32. TBD
Draft order is determined first by regular season record, then by how far teams advanced in the playoffs. If there’s a tie, it comes down to strength of schedule - the team with the weaker schedule gets the higher pick. That’s how the Rams edged out the Broncos for the 29th spot.
Now, the Broncos head into a pivotal offseason. There’s a lot to feel good about - this team wasn’t expected to be playing deep into January, and yet here they were, one win away from the big stage. That speaks volumes about the progress made under head coach Sean Payton and the pieces already in place.
Still, the work is far from done. The offense, in particular, needs attention.
Whether it’s adding more weapons, shoring up the offensive line, or simply continuing to develop their young quarterback room, the Broncos have decisions to make. The 30th pick won’t bring a guaranteed superstar, but it’s a valuable asset - especially in the hands of a front office that’s shown it can draft smart and build for the long haul.
This rebuild is ahead of schedule, no question. But now comes the hard part: turning promise into sustained success.
The 2026 offseason is going to be a defining stretch for Denver. The foundation is there.
The next step is building on it - and making sure this year’s playoff run isn’t a one-off, but the beginning of something bigger.