Broncos trade second-round pick to Bills after run on inside linebackers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos have traded out of the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft after seeing a run of players who were presumably on their radar get selected. In exchange for the No. 62 overall pick, the Broncos got a third-round pick (No. 66) and a sixth-round pick (No. 182) from the Buffalo Bills.
The Broncos didn't have a first or second-round pick in this draft but will have a total of eight picks between the third and seventh rounds, barring any further trades.
The Broncos were likely looking at adding an inside linebacker and with the way the second round started, it was looking good for them to get one. However, between picks 43 and 61, five of them came off the board.
43. Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter, Missouri51. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Golday, Cincinnati53. Indianapolis Colts: CJ Allen, Georgia60. Tennessee Titans: Anthony Hill, Jr., Texas
Sitting at No. 62, the run fell short of reaching the Broncos but there was a chance they were looking at tight end Max Klare out of Ohio State. When he was taken at No. 61 by the Los Angeles Rams, the Broncos sent their pick to Buffalo.
This had to be a nightmare scenario for the Broncos as they really needed to get one of the five players listed above. They will almost certainly still take an inside linebacker in this draft, but the talent level seemingly drops off big time at this point.
The Broncos will still be waiting to make their first pick and that was one of the major drawbacks to making the trade for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle last month. Sean Payton and George Paton will be strongly challenged to field an impactful rookie class at this point.
HOT READ:Surprising Broncos draft stat gives insight into unpredictable war room
Broncos' Mock Draft Roundup: What will team do with second-round pick?
Best players still available for Broncos to draft in the second round
Broncos may need to shift draft strategy after Seahawks' first-round pick
Broncos' final 7-round mock draft features a trade up into third round