Top college athletes gathered in Indianapolis to showcase their talents before all 32 NFL teams. The NFL Scouting Combine ran from February 23 to March 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium, with 319 prospects undergoing interviews, aptitude tests, and drills.

The Denver Broncos will have nine projected picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, which starts April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, PA. Due to their strong 2025-26 season finish, their first pick is at No. 20 in the first round. The Broncos also hold picks in the late second, third, fourth, fifth, and seventh rounds. They have an extra early fourth-round pick (from New Orleans for DeVaughn Vele) and two extra seventh-round picks.

Conventional wisdom suggests the Broncos seek a running back early, but Head Coach Sean Payton often takes unconventional approaches. Needing a running back in 2025, he instead picked cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick.

“We are always urgent,” said Broncos GM George Paton. “After the season, you reset because the team will change. We must be urgent. Free agency offers limited control. Players can leave. I said in January we’d be urgent and aggressive, leaving no stone unturned.”

Paton noted that last season’s aggressive free agency approach doesn’t guarantee the same this year. With a 14-3 record last season, the urgency to add players has lessened.

“You have to be selective and make the right decisions,” Paton said. “You can’t go all out because you nearly reached the Super Bowl. We’ll be aggressive, but measured and prudent.”

Kenyon Sadiq, a tight end from Oregon, is one candidate of interest for the Broncos. A reunion with Bo Nix could boost the offense. Sadiq made headlines at the Combine with a 4.39 forty-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical. Another option is running back Jeremihya Love from Notre Dame, who posted a 4.36 forty, the second best among running backs.

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