Last year, the 2024 NFL Draft proved to be a pivotal moment for the Denver Broncos. After adding a long-term quarterback in Bo Nix, Denver ended a 10-year playoff drought. Now, after returning to the playoffs, Sean Payton hopes to add more impact talent to compete with the AFC West. Free agency was very kind to Denver, adding linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga from the San Francisco 49ers. Now, the 2025 NFL Draft is the perfect opportunity to build off it.
2025 NFL Draft Grades: Denver Broncos
First Round/20th overall pick: Jahdae Barron, cornerback, Texas
After witnessing the ascension of Patrick Surtain II from first-round pick to Defensive Player of the Year, the Broncos hope to strike lightning twice. A key cog in the Texas defense, Jahdae Barron is the kind of ball-hawking defensive back that should thrive opposite Surtain. The three-year starter for Texas has eight career interceptions. The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner is electric in coverage and should impress Vance Joseph early on. Adding Jahdae Barron to a secondary that has a fully healthy Riley Moss returning is great news for the Broncos stout defense.
Grade: A+
Second Round/60th overall pick: RJ Harvey, running back, UCF
After the departure of Javonte Williams, the Broncos needed to add a running back. Thus, the Broncos are taking a swing on RJ Harvey out of UCF. While his 5’8″ height might detract from some, Harvey didn’t let his size prevent him from making an impact. Harvey was a four-year starter, rushing over 75 yards at least in his last 21 games. While his frame limits him as a pass protector, he’s useful as a receiving back, averaging just under 12 yards/reception over his career. If he serves in a committee alongside Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, Harvey should contribute early.
Grade: B
Third Round/74th overall pick: Pat Bryant, wide receiver, Illinois
Last year’s 12th overall pick, Bo Nix turned into a true long-term option at quarterback. In order to maximize his talent, Denver needed to add a third wide receiver next to Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. This led the team to select Pat Bryant in the third round. What he lacks as a speedster, he makes up for in body control and solid run blocking. Bryant had a productive 2024 with 984 yards on 54 catches and ten touchdowns. Possessing a strong catch radius and being great at doing the dirty work, Bryant will make fans happy with his potential.
Grade: B+
Third Round/101st overall pick: Sai’vion Jones, defensive end, LSU
As talented as the Broncos defensive line is, Denver needed to add depth. Starters Zach Allen, Jonathan Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach are all free agents after the 2025 season. So the Broncos trade up to select LSU defensive end Sai’von Jones. In his senior year, Jones impressed while generating 43 pressures this season. While a work in progress, the refining from defensive line coach Jamar Cain could have Jones looking like a steal if he lives up to his potential.
Grade: B-
Fourth Round/134th overall pick: Que Robinson, edge rusher, Alabama
After elaborating on the potential depth leaving in free agency after the season, the Broncos double-dip on defensive linemen. Denver takes Alabama edge rusher Que Robinson, a special player at Alabama, according to Nick Saban. After serving as a special-teams player for the first two seasons, Robinson became a capable pass rusher off the edge. An injury during the draft process took him out of the top 100 pick territory. However, to the Broncos benefit, he comes in the fourth round. If he’s fully recovered, expect him to compete for snaps early.
Grade: B
Sixth Round/216th overall pick: Jeremy Crawshaw, punter, Florida
The Broncos now turned their attention to special teams. With Matt Hauk the only punter on the roster, the team selected Jeremy Crawshaw with the 216th pick. The Australian native was widely regarded as the best overall punter in the class, standing at 6’4″ and 198 lbs. Averaging an impressive 46.4 yards per kick over his career, Crawshaw should easily win the starting job over training camp.
Grade: A+
Seventh Round/241st overall pick: Caleb Lohner, tight end, Utah
Rounding out their 2025 draft class, the Broncos add depth in the tight end room behind newly signed Evan Engram. Caleb Lohner is a power forward turned tight end from the University of Utah. Despite his limited reps, the newly drafted tight end left a nice impression with all four of his catches resulting in touchdowns. His 6’7″ 256 lbs frame is a sturdy frame needs more mass, but his 4.6 40 time leaves some potential. Expect him to compete for a roster spot behind Engram and Adam Trautman.
Grade: C+
Main Photo: [Ricardo B. Brazziell] – USA Today Sports
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