Denver Broncos 2025 First Round Draft Pick Targets

The Denver Broncos are selecting 20th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft: a bit later than usual by virtue of making the playoffs in quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie season.

Nix, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, helped turn the Broncos’ fortunes around in a big way after the team parted with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Nix and head coach Sean Payton helped the team achieve a 10-7 regular season record and a playoff berth. While the Broncos were stonewalled by a strong Buffalo Bills team in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs, the season was still a huge step in the right direction for Denver football.

Now that the Broncos have their quarterback of the future, Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, and even new signees like linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and tight end Evan Engram, Denver can look to use their first round pick to strengthen their roster even more. Here a couple options within the realm of reasonability at the 20th overall pick:

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

(Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)

The most commonly-mocked player to the Denver Broncos with the 20th overall pick appears to be North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, and for good reason. With Javonte Williams off the roster, the Broncos lose both their top running back from last season and the flexibility of running back by committee that they used towards the end of the year.

Running backs don’t always warrant first round picks in today’s NFL: unless they have the potential to do something special. Hampton has a mix of power and speed that could upgrade the Broncos’ offense if utilized correctly.

But with plenty of teams finding success with Day 2 running backs, is Hampton worth the pick, just to fill the need?

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

(Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

I didn’t want to lead off with Ashton Jeanty, but he is absolutely the best-case scenario for the Broncos with the 20th overall pick. But with many mock drafts having the Dallas Cowboys or Chicago Bears swipe the Heisman runner-up off the board as early as the 10th pick, it may not be the most realistic outcome for Broncos fans to hold their breathe for.

If Denver really wants Jeanty, it may be worth considering trading up a few picks.

Jeanty would give the Broncos a decisive RB1, someone to tailor the offense around alongside Bo Nix. Jeanty could give the Broncos an instant boost in their running game, which would only pay dividends in the passing game, where Jeanty is no scrub either.

While selecting Hampton at #20 would have Denver considering if they’re reaching or not, Jeanty would be a home run of a pick if he were to fall to #20, which he does in some mock drafts.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

If recent drafts are any indicator, once a couple wide receivers come off the board, they can start flying off the board later in the first round. Luther Burden III is an explosive 5-foot-11 playmaker out of Missouri, and appears to warrant first round talent in many mock drafts. The Broncos might not love to pick him at #20, but again, a run on wide receivers could force Denver’s hand.

The Broncos don’t have a bad receiving corps, with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. looking to be the top options, but they’re not very deep right now, with one depth guy, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, skipping town for the New York Giants this offseason.

Tetairoa McMillan would be another great pick at wide receiver, and the same mock draft I referenced before has him going just two picks before Denver’s selection. However, I think the odds of McMillan being available at #20 are slim.

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Evan Engram provides some stability at tight end for the Broncos, but his signing by no means closes the book on the position this offseason for the Broncos. With tight end Greg Dulcich going over to the Giants as well, Denver needs depth and a future at the position. Engram should also be challenged for his starting role, as he isn’t the complete package at tight end. In today’s games, tight ends as valuable as ever, and having a reliable pass-catcher at the tight end position can lead to long drives and consistent winning.

Enter Tyler Warren: a 6-foot-6 tight end out of Penn State who racked up 104 catches, 1,233 yards, and eight touchdowns. Warren is a big-bodied pass-catching machine, and would give Bo Nix both an incredible security blanket and the type of big-play tight end that feels almost necessary to dominate in today’s NFL.

But once again, expecting the best player on the board at his position to be available at #20 is wishful thinking at best. It’s certainly possible, with tight ends only historically not being drafted very high in bulk (though the trend is changing with the evolving NFL.)

Assuming Warren isn’t available at #20, the next-best option might be…

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Colston Loveland is another big-bodied pass-catcher, and one that very well might be available at #20. Loveland is less the kind of tight end you build an offense around, particularly in volume, but his solid hands and size still warrant a first round pick. Loveland could develop alongside Engram and be a reliable target in two-tight end sets: or maybe he would even work his way up the depth chart and push Engram like I mentioned earlier.

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

So far, I’ve went with all skill positions, which is fun to think about and fun to write about. But realistically, there’s probably a 50-50 shot the Broncos take a skill position player, as there are many options and Denver could be in a position to take the best player available on the board.

The Broncos got D.J. Jones back on a three-year deal, but could add another fresh body to their defensive line in Kenneth Grant, a defensive tackle out of Michigan.

Jihaad Campbell, ILB, Alabama

Despite poaching linebacker Dre Greenlaw from a talented San Franscisco 49ers defensive unit, the Broncos still need both immediate help and depth at the linebacker position. Alabama inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell could fit the bill as a mid-first round projected prospect.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

This is the only player on this list that I didn’t find connected to the Broncos on any other mock drafts, but with Georgia safety Malaki Starks projected to be a mid-to-late first round pick, Denver should absolutely keep an eye on the SEC defensive back. Described as a potential “star in the making,” Starks could both be paired with Pat Surtain II and maybe one day even provide a succession plan.

Who will the Broncos draft?

Dream Scenario: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Most Realistic Instant Upgrade: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Actual Prediction: Jihaad Campbell, ILB, Alabama

Darkhorse Prediction: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Who do you think the Broncos will draft? Are any of my targets off-base, or did I miss any prospects the Broncos should keep tabs on? To join the conversation, be sure to follow Sak Sports Blog on Twitter/X or on Facebook.

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