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Broncos Finish Draft Without Early Picks, Add Onyedim, Coleman

4/26/2026

Summary

Broncos Draft Moves

Denver Broncos completed the 2026 NFL draft without a first-or second-round pick after trading their first-rounder for receiver Jaylen Waddle and selecting defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M) in round 3.
The Broncos added running back Jonah Coleman (Washington), lineman Kage Casey (Boise State) and tight end Justin Joly (NC State) in rounds 4 and 5.
Analysts praised the class, highlighting Tyler Onyedim’s pass rush, Jonah Coleman’s running, and Red Murdock’s 17 forced fumbles as “Mr. Irrelevant.”

Summary

Broncos Prioritize Draft

Since the AFC Championship Game, Denver added only three players—Jaylen Waddle, Tycen Anderson, and Tyler Onyedik.
GM George Paton said fourth-round picks will define the draft because the staff values cultural fit.
Head coach Sean Payton said character and “Bronco fit” are as important as athletic ability.
Limited free-agency moves, aside from the Waddle trade, show reliance on development and Day 3 deals for Adam Trautman (2023) and John Franklin-Myers (2024).

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the NFL, under Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, introduced a hard salary cap of $34.6 million, forcing teams to balance veteran contracts with draft picks. That cap model has grown to over $120 million today, shaping how franchises like the Denver Broncos, now led by GM George Paton, trade early picks for proven talent such as receiver Jaylen Waddle.

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Broncos Draft Moves

Denver Broncos completed the 2026 NFL draft without a first-or second-round pick after trading their first-rounder for receiver Jaylen Waddle and selecting defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M) in round 3.
The Broncos added running back Jonah Coleman (Washington), lineman Kage Casey (Boise State) and tight end Justin Joly (NC State) in rounds 4 and 5.
Analysts praised the class, highlighting Tyler Onyedim’s pass rush, Jonah Coleman’s running, and Red Murdock’s 17 forced fumbles as “Mr. Irrelevant.”

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