Full Breakdown
Denver Broncos Trade Down, Select Tyler Onyedim and Eye Day 3 to Fill Key Roster Gaps
4/25/2026, 8:59:28 PM
Core Event – Trade-down and the third-round pick
On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft the Broncos sent their second-round selection (No. 62 overall) to the Buffalo Bills and received the No. 66 pick in the third round, a sixth-round pick (No. 182) and a future sixth-rounder. With the acquired No. 66 slot the team chose Texas A&M defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim to replace the void left by free-agent loss of John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans. The trade gave Denver seven additional selections on Day 3 (Nos. 108, 111, 170, 182, 246, 256, 257).
Background & Context – Draft position and roster needs
The Broncos entered the draft without a first-round pick after trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Offseason departures also included veteran defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike and the aforementioned Franklin-Myers. Coaching staff added USC defensive-backs coach Doug Belk, highlighting a renewed focus on secondary depth. Denver’s stated needs heading into Day 3 were linebacker, tight end, running back, offensive tackle and safety.
Data & Statistics – Picks and positional inventory
- Total Day 3 selections: seven (two early 4th-round picks, one 5th, one 6th, three 7th).
- Positions still unfilled after Day 2: LB (5 candidates), TE (5), RB (7), OT (5), S (4).
- Recent late-round successes: undrafted free agents Ja’Quan McMillian, Alex Palczewski, and Cameron Forsyth.
Why It Matters – Roster impact and development strategy
Onyedim is projected as a one-gap interior defender who can bolster a run-heavy front while the team develops younger talent at multiple spots. The Broncos’ emphasis on “developmental backups” reflects a strategy to build depth without over-paying for early-round talent, a model that previously yielded contributors from the undrafted pool.
Official Statements & Responses – Team’s public rationale
General manager George Paton emphasized that the two fourth-round picks would shape the draft and that the organization prefers “young, developmental backups with some traits that we can develop” available on Day 3. He also noted a deliberate decision not to “reach to go up and get a guy,” expressing confidence in the current roster and the upcoming selections.
Criticism & Opposition – Analyst concerns about the trade-down
Draft analysts argued the Broncos missed a chance to secure higher-rated prospects such as Eli Stowers, C.J. Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., and Max Klare, all of whom were taken before Denver’s No. 62 slot. Commentators described the move as “a bit costly” and questioned whether waiting for a fall-through was the optimal approach given the team’s clear needs at linebacker and tight end.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Divergent target lists
Some sources listed inside linebackers (e.g., Josiah Trotter, CJ Allen) as the Broncos’ top priority, while others highlighted tight ends (Justin Joly, Jack Endries) and running backs (Mike Washington Jr., Jonah Coleman) as the most logical fits. The lack of consensus underscores uncertainty about the exact positional hierarchy the Broncos will follow on Day 3.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These two fourth-round picks,” — George Paton, GM, Denver Broncos
- “We’re looking for young, developmental backups with some traits that we can develop, and you can find those all across Day 3,” — George Paton
- “We’re not going to reach to go up and get a guy.” — George Paton
- “I think Onyedim is an underrated prospect who will fare much better in the pros in Vance Joseph’s one-gap attacking defense.” — Draft analyst (Mile High Report)
- “It would have cost a bit to move up and get them, but I don’t think waiting around and hoping for one of them to fall was the best decision—especially if they truly thought highly of them.” — Draft analyst (Mile High Report)
What’s Next – Day 3 outlook
With picks at No. 108 and 111, Denver is expected to target a linebacker such as Kaleb Elarms-Orr or Kyle Louis, a tight end like Justin Joly, a running back (e.g., Mike Washington Jr. or Jonah Coleman), and an offensive tackle (e.g., Kage Casey or Jude Bowry). The final three seventh-round selections could be used on developmental safeties (Keionte Scott, Kamari Ramsey) or additional depth on the line. The outcomes of these picks will determine whether the Broncos’ Day 3 strategy successfully addresses the roster holes identified after Day 2.
