After going 14-3 during the 2025 regular season and reaching the AFC Championship game before bowing out of the playoffs with a backup quarterback under center, the Denver Broncos are going into the 2026 campaign with many of their key players returning, including a now-healthy starting quarterback in Bo Nix.
After retaining most of their in-house free agents, the Broncos do not have many glaring roster needs going into the 2026 NFL draft, which is a great position to be in. Denver can largely focus on selecting the "best player available" at each spot, although needs always come into play, no matter what teams might say publicly.
With the start of the draft now just two days away, here's a quick look at what we believe are the Broncos' five biggest roster needs.
1. Tight end: Evan Engram will turn 32 in September, and he underwhelmed in his first season in Denver. Even if Engram takes a big step forward in Year 2, the Broncos need to begin planning ahead at the position.
2. Running back: The Broncos' ground game took a huge dive after J.K. Dobbins went down with an injury last fall. Denver needs to add another running back to improve the room's depth — drafting one who can pass block would be a big bonus.
3. Defensive line: John Franklin-Myers was the club's one big loss during NFL free agency. Sai’vion Jones and Eyioma Uwazurike appear to be the top in-house candidates to replace JFM, but the team needs more depth in the trenches.
4. Inside linebacker: Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are both returning, but they will turn 33 and 30, respectively, in the coming months. The Broncos would be wise to add another developmental linebacker to Vance Joseph's unit.
5. Offensive tackle: Garett Bolles will turn 34 next month, and while he's still playing at a high level, Denver should start developing a potential future replacement.
Honorable mentions: Safety, guard and pass rusher. Brandon Jones and Ben Powers are scheduled to become free agents in 2027, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the team address either position. After moving Jonah Elliss to inside linebacker, the Broncos might also consider adding another edge rusher.
Following the Jaylen Waddle trade last month, Denver holds seven picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 biggest needs going into 2026 NFL draft