Broncos' 2025 Draft Class Shows Promise After Year One

Denver's rookie class includes a first-round DB, a productive RB, and a surprise pass rusher

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:48pm

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The Denver Broncos' 2025 NFL Draft class had mixed results in its first season, but there are reasons for optimism. First-round pick Jahdae Barron played a solid role in the secondary, while fourth-round RB RJ Harvey led all rookie running backs in touchdowns. The real surprise was fourth-round OLB Que Robinson, who flashed as a pass rusher and may have the most upside of anyone in the class. Overall, the Broncos feel they have a group of multi-year contributors, even if there's no guaranteed star yet.

Why it matters

The Broncos' 2025 draft class is an important part of the team's long-term plans under new head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton. After a disappointing C+ grade from draft analysts, the early returns show potential, with a few players emerging as potential impact contributors. How this class develops will be key to the Broncos' ability to sustain success in the coming years.

The details

The Broncos invested their first-round pick (No. 20 overall) in defensive back Jahdae Barron, who started 5 games as a rookie. While some questioned the pick, the team believes Barron has the talent to be a factor in their secondary. Fourth-round RB RJ Harvey led all rookie running backs in touchdowns and was second in offensive yards, showing promise as a dynamic playmaker. The real surprise was fourth-round OLB Que Robinson, who flashed as a pass rusher and may have the most upside of anyone in the class according to Paton.

  • The Broncos selected Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • RJ Harvey was the Broncos' fourth-round pick in 2025 and led all rookie RBs in touchdowns.
  • Que Robinson, a fourth-round pick in 2025, emerged as a potential breakout player for the Broncos in Year 2.

The players

Jahdae Barron

A first-round defensive back selected by the Broncos in the 2025 NFL Draft, who started 5 games as a rookie and is expected to be a factor in their secondary going forward.

RJ Harvey

The Broncos' fourth-round pick in 2025, Harvey led all rookie running backs in touchdowns and was second in offensive yards, showing promise as a dynamic playmaker.

Que Robinson

A fourth-round OLB pick by the Broncos in 2025, Robinson flashed as a pass rusher right away and may have the most upside of anyone in the Broncos' draft class according to GM George Paton.

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What they’re saying

“Que Robinson may have the most upside of anyone in our draft class.”

— George Paton, General Manager

The takeaway

The Broncos' 2025 draft class is showing early signs of promise, with a few players emerging as potential impact contributors. While there may not be a guaranteed star in the group yet, the Broncos believe they have assembled a group of multi-year contributors that can help sustain the team's success in the coming years under the new leadership of Sean Payton and George Paton.