Instant analysis, grade for Broncos' third-round selection of DT Tyler Onyedim originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It took until the third round, but the Denver Broncos have finally made a selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 66 overall selection, the team has chosen Texas A&M defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim.
The Broncos were likely looking at an inside linebacker in the second round, but when five of them were selected with 18 picks of one another, the Broncos traded out of the round with the Buffalo Bills and collected an extra pick in the sixth round.
It was the first time the Broncos didn't have a first or second-round pick since 1995.
The Broncos' biggest loss in free agency this offseason was defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, so the selection of Onyedim could go a long way in replacing him.
Onyedim began his college career at Iowa State before transferring to Texas A&M for his senior campaign. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 300 pounds, he brings great size and even more athleticism for a player of his stature. He has long arms and a quick first step that often helps him win at the point of attack.
His versatility is likely what attracted him most to the Broncos, as he can play multiple positions along the defensive line. If he can prove that he can get to the quarterback at the rate that he did in college, this can become an excellent selection.
Onyedim posted 20.5 sacks in college and an impressive 8.5 last season with the Aggies. He can also be effective against the run and fits the role of a rotational defensive lineman nicely. All of his weaknesses are related to technique and that can all be fixed with the right coaching.
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The Broncos are likely a bit disappointed about how the last half of the second round turned out, but they made the most of it with this selection.
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