Full Breakdown
Broncos at No. 62: Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 9:58:19 AM
Positional Priorities and Available Prospects
The Broncos entered Day 2 with three priorities—running back, tight end, and inside linebacker. Running back Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) posted a 4.33-second 40, 1,070 rushing yards, eight touchdowns and 28 receptions. Tight ends Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) and Max Klare (Ohio State) combined for 111 catches and 1,407 yards. Inside linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas), Josiah Trotter (Missouri), Jake Golday (Cincinnati) and Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) each logged over 100 tackles and double-digit tackles for loss; Hill ran a 4.51-second 40.
Trade Scenarios and Valuation
Denver holds pick No. 62 plus fourth-rounders 108 and 111, a fifth-rounder 170 and three seventh-rounders. Using the Jimmy Johnson chart, bundling 62 with both fourth-rounders could move the team to No. 47; adding the fifth-rounder yields No. 51. Pairing 62 with a single fourth-rounder reaches No. 53/54, and with the fifth-rounder alone reaches No. 59. Trading 62 and 111 for later assets could slide Denver to No. 65, 70, 73 or 76 while gaining additional mid-round picks. Analysts note that moving up ten spots or more would require surrendering future selections.
Official Statements from Broncos Management
General manager George Paton told reporters the Broncos have “honed in on six players” for the No. 62 slot. Head coach Sean Payton said the team will apply the Jimmy Johnson valuation model to any trade and noted the prior acquisition of Jaylen Waddle using draft capital. Both indicated willingness to move up for a target but also openness to sliding back for extra mid-round picks.
Criticism & Opposition from Analysts
Analysts note that highly ranked linebackers CJ Allen (Georgia), Anthony Hill Jr., and Jake Golday are projected to be taken well before No. 62, making them unlikely to fall to Denver without a trade. ESPN ranks Allen 45th overall, while The Athletic calls him a first-round talent. The limited Day 2 capital raises concerns that the Broncos may need to settle for later-round prospects.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on CJ Allen’s draft grade, ranging from a first-round projection to a 45th-overall ranking. Paton’s six-player target list has not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty about the exact focus. While several outlets describe the draft as deep at inside linebacker and tight end, no consensus exists on which position the Broncos will prioritize at No. 62.
Why It Matters: Roster and Future Implications
Selecting a versatile back like Washington Jr. would give the Broncos a dual-threat runner beside veteran RJ Harvey. Adding a tight end such as Stowers or Klare would address depth after Evan Engram’s departure. Inside linebacker picks would help replace Dre Greenlaw and reinforce a unit that recently re-signed Justin Strnad. Day 2 trade decisions will shape the quantity and quality of Day 3 assets, affecting the team’s ability to add depth across the roster.
What’s Next: Day 3 Options
If Denver retains No. 62, it may select a prospect or trade the pick for additional fourth- and fifth-round selections. Sliding to No. 70 or 73 would generate extra mid-round picks that could be bundled for a third-round choice on Day 3. The remaining fourth-rounders (108, 111) and fifth-rounder (170) stay available for further maneuvering.
