Broncos Find Value at Key Positions in Draft Prediction

Denver targets inside linebacker, tight end, and defensive line in four-round mock draft

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:33pm

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Despite not having a pick until the latter part of the second round, the Denver Broncos are projected to find value at three key positions of need - inside linebacker, tight end, and defensive line - in a recent four-round mock draft. The Broncos are expected to address those areas by selecting Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Utah tight end Dallen Bentley, and Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan.

Why it matters

The Broncos have several holes to fill on their roster, particularly at inside linebacker, tight end, and along the defensive line. Addressing those needs through the draft will be crucial for the team to continue improving and competing in the AFC West.

The details

In the second round, the Broncos are projected to take Anthony Hill Jr., a linebacker from Texas who could work his way into a starting role despite needing some refinement. In the fourth round, the team is expected to select Dallen Bentley, a tight end from Utah who emerged as a pass-catching threat last season, and Chris McClellan, a defensive tackle from Missouri who could develop into a long-term starter.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April.

The players

George Paton

The general manager of the Denver Broncos who has found success drafting players late in rounds in the past.

Anthony Hill Jr.

A linebacker from the University of Texas who is projected to be drafted by the Broncos in the second round.

Dallen Bentley

A tight end from the University of Utah who is projected to be drafted by the Broncos in the fourth round.

Chris McClellan

A defensive tackle from the University of Missouri who is projected to be drafted by the Broncos in the fourth round.

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What they’re saying

“Good value can still be found and Paton has done that by taking Nik Bonitto in the second round in 2022 and Marvin Mims Jr. in the second round in 2023. Both of those picks were made near the end of the round. Both of those players have made the Pro Bowl.”

— Travis Wakeman, Author

What’s next

The Broncos will look to address their remaining needs through the rest of the draft and free agency as they aim to build a roster capable of competing in the AFC West.

The takeaway

Despite not having an early pick, the Broncos are projected to find value at key positions of need in the draft, addressing inside linebacker, tight end, and defensive line. This demonstrates the team's ability to identify talent and build a well-rounded roster through savvy draft selections.