The Denver Broncos got two impact players with their first and second round picks. Not every impact player is a ‘draft steal’ but it would appear they got that as well.
The Denver Broncos surprised many with their approach to the 2025 NFL Draft, but as the national media goes over its post-draft analysis there seems to be some consensus that the Broncos draft class is pretty darn good. Already this week, Todd McShay sang his praises of their draft and Mike Silver shared some news how the Jacksonville Jaguars were pissed over how Denver drafted on Day 2.
Now we have Matt Miller from ESPN sharing his Top 100 ‘draft steals’ and each of the Broncos first two picks made the list. Jahdae Barron made the list first as the 15th biggest draft steal on Miller’s list.
15. Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos (Pick 1-20)
My final overall ranking: No. 11
The Broncos’ secondary is absolutely loaded after getting my No. 11 player with the No. 20 pick. Barron’s versatility is impressive, as he spent significant time at corner, slot corner and safety at Texas. He won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2024 and brings experience, playmaking ability and great tackling skills to a Denver secondary that already has Pat Surtain II.
Barron was largely considered a Top 10 pick by most, so for him to be sitting there on the board when the Broncos picked in the latter half of the first round became a no-brainer for Sean Payton and George Paton. Pairing him with Pat Surtain II should give the rookie an opportunity to accel early in his career.
Barron has a ton of confidence coming to play opposite Pat Surtain and as well he should.
“Again my preparation, and then the Broncos staff,” Barron said in his post-selection press conference. “I know they’re going to prepare me right. I know they’re going to make sure I’m ready to go just from film-wise. My preparation, how I see things at this next level, how I’m communicating with my teammates. At the end of the day, it’s my confidence. I get my confidence from God. I go out there with no worries. I’m going to go out there and play fast. I’m glorifying Him. So if I’m glorifying Him, I can do that all day, and I can do that fast, not worried about making mistakes and things like that. Just to honor him. When you honor him and just be a lightning bolt for him and just be his servant, it’s always good.
With Surtain, Barron, and Riley moss, the Broncos could end up with the best coverage secondary in the NFL. This defense is looking so good.
Miller also had RJ Harvey on his list as the 60th biggest steal, which coincided with his actual draft spot.
60. RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos (Pick 2-60)
My final overall ranking: No. 78
Harvey was one of my sleepers in the predraft process, and I expected he would be drafted in Round 3 or 4. The Broncos jumped the line by taking Harvey in Round 2. But his ability to finish runs and make a difference as a receiver reminds me of Bucky Irving coming out of college, and I like this pick.
The more I look at this draft the more I love it. Harvey is the home run threat the backfield was sorely missing last season. There are still concerns there with the every-down situation, but we’ll have to see what the team does from here. As for Harvey, he is already locked in.
“I’m extremely excited,” Harvey said after being drafted. “I’m ready to get to work right away, get in there and put my head down and just showcase all my skills to all of my teammates and my coaches. My main goal is to come in there and do whatever I can to help Denver win, make the playoffs and get to the Super Bowl. I want to be a big part of that, a big reason why we make it that far in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. I’m just super excited for this opportunity.”
The Broncos went hard after guys with huge upside and outstanding leadership traits. The word ‘character’ will be used a lot, but that is coming from the obvious traits of leadership each of these young kids have and they haven’t even played an NFL snap. I love that. Every team has leaders, but those with leadership traits tend to be self-starters and hard workers at their craft. They are always looking to get better, make the team better, and win.
It was a long road after Super Bowl 50, but the Denver Broncos are finally on the ascent once more.