Full Breakdown
Denver Broncos' 2026 Draft: Grades, Picks, and Outlook After the Waddle Trade
4/27/2026, 9:41:59 PM
Draft Overview: Seven Picks After the Waddle Trade
The Denver Broncos entered the 2026 NFL Draft with only seven selections, beginning at No. 66 overall. The reduced haul resulted from the offseason trade that sent the No. 30 overall pick and a third-rounder to the Miami Dolphins for veteran wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The Broncos used their remaining picks to address depth on the defensive line, backfield, offensive line, tight end, and linebacker positions.
Background: Jaylen Waddle Deal and Draft Capital
In October 2025, Denver traded its first-round (30th overall) and third-round selections to Miami for Waddle, a move championed by head coach Sean Payton. The trade also forced the Broncos to move out of the second round, ultimately selecting defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim at No. 66. The transaction framed the draft as a “depth-building” effort rather than a pursuit of high-profile rookies.
Key Selections and Analyst Grades
- Round 3, No. 66 – DT Tyler Onyedim (Texas A&M) – graded A- (NFL.com) to C (PFF).
- Round 4, No. 108 – RB Jonah Coleman (Washington) – B+ (CBS) to C+ (ESPN).
- Round 4, No. 111 – OT Kage Casey (Boise State) – A (CBS) to B (Sports Illustrated).
- Round 5, No. 152 – TE Justin Joly (NC State) – B (CBS).
- Round 7, No. 246 – S Miles Scott (Illinois) – not individually graded.
- Round 7, No. 256 – TE Dallen Bentley (Utah) – not individually graded.
- Round 7, No. 257 – LB Red Murdock (Buffalo) – highlighted as the highest-graded pick by PFF (91.2 overall).
Data & Statistics
- Total picks: 7 (no first-round, one second-round).
- Composite grade: 84.8 / 100 (B) per Sporting News analysis.
- Onyedim: 292 lb, 5.5 career sacks in 53 games.
- Coleman: 17 scrimmage touchdowns (2025).
- Murdock: 91.2 PFF grade, 17 forced-fumble record at the FBS level.
Official Statements & Responses
Analysts noted that Waddle “essentially serves as Denver’s first-round pick,” framing the trade as the cornerstone of the draft strategy. Nate Davis described the draft as “defined by the acquisition of Waddle.” CBS Sports highlighted the defensive line reinforcement with Onyedim, while ProFootballTalk emphasized the class’s depth and long-term upside. PFF staff praised Coleman’s efficiency and third-down reliability.
Criticism & Opposition
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. assigned a C+ overall, criticizing the lack of a marquee rookie and the limited number of early-round selections. He labeled the picks “not exciting” and pointed to the “down-draft” running-back market as a concern. Bleacher Report echoed a C+ view, noting the absence of a clear impact player.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Grades for the class range from A- (NFL.com) to C- (PFF), reflecting divergent assessments of Onyedim’s value and Murdock’s potential. No source provided a unified projection of immediate starter potential, leaving uncertainty about the class’s short-term impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jaylen Waddle essentially serves as Denver's first-round pick this year, given that the Broncos sent the No. 30 overall choice to Miami for the veteran receiver,” — Chad Reuter, NFL.com
- “Coleman is only the fourth running back to be taken in a historically down draft for the position.” — Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
- “The downside is Denver was left with seven total selections and only one in the first three rounds (No.” — Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
- “Murdock, just man, he’s a tackling machine. Just really instinctive. Really good against the run…Just a nose for the ball, relentless motor.” — George Paton, Broncos GM
What’s Next
Denver will add undrafted free agents to complete its 90-man offseason roster and evaluate the seven rookies during OTAs and training camp. The organization expects the depth players to compete for rotational roles while monitoring the development of Onyedim, Coleman, and Murdock for potential contributions in the 2026 season.
