The Denver Broncos are on the clock—sort of. With the 2026 NFL Draft just days away, the team faces a unique strategic puzzle. After trading their first-round pick to acquire star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, Denver's first selection doesn't arrive until late in the second round at pick No. 61. Following that, there's a significant gap; the Broncos won't pick again until the fourth round at No. 108, a wait of 45 more selections.

This presents a clear challenge: how to secure impact talent with limited draft capital. Historically, the third round has been a sweet spot for General Manager George Paton, who has unearthed gems like guard Quinn Meinerz, cornerback Riley Moss, and edge rusher Jonah Elliss. While Denver currently lacks a third-round pick this year, the front office should be prepared to get aggressive if the right prospect starts to slide down the board.

The acquisition of Jaylen Waddle has created a logjam at wide receiver, making a player like Troy Franklin a potential trade chip. While Marvin Mims Jr. has established value as a special teams ace and deep threat, Franklin represents an intriguing young asset for receiver-needy teams. Packaging Franklin with a future Day 3 pick could be enough to entice a team like the Atlanta Falcons into parting with a valuable third-round selection, such as the No. 79 overall pick.

Such a move would position the Broncos to pounce if a coveted player falls into range. One name to watch is tight end Eli Stowers, a prospect the Denver scouting department reportedly likes. The draft is all about value and opportunity, and for a Broncos team looking to build around a new core, jumping back into the third round could be the savvy move that accelerates their rebuild.