Oddsmakers Identify Three Positions as Favorites for Broncos' First Draft Pick

Linebacker, defensive line/edge, and offensive line top the list of potential targets for Denver in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes representing a Denver Broncos football scene, capturing the complex strategic decisions facing the team's front office as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft.The Broncos' draft strategy is a puzzle of positional needs and trade-offs, as they look to build on their successful 2025 season.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick after trading it away to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. According to oddsmakers, the top positions the Broncos are likely to target with their first selection at No. 62 overall are linebacker, defensive line/edge, and offensive line.

Why it matters

The Broncos are coming off a 14-3 season and an AFC Championship Game appearance, so they are looking to reload their roster through the draft. Identifying the key positions of need will be crucial for Denver to continue their success and build on their 2025 campaign.

The details

The oddsmakers have released the 'position of first player drafted' odds for the Broncos, with linebacker and defensive line/edge both listed at +250. Offensive line is next at +400, followed by tight end (+425), safety (+750), running back (+750), and cornerback (+1200). While the defensive line/edge category is a bit broad, it makes sense given the departure of John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans. The Broncos did retain Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad at linebacker, but they did move on from Dre Greenlaw, so that position could also be a priority. The offensive line is getting older, and tight end could be an option with Evan Engram likely playing his final season in Denver.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in about 2.5 weeks.

The players

Sean Payton

Head coach of the Denver Broncos.

George Paton

General manager of the Denver Broncos.

Jaylen Waddle

Wide receiver acquired by the Denver Broncos in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.

John Franklin-Myers

Defensive lineman who departed the Denver Broncos to join the Tennessee Titans.

Alex Singleton

Linebacker who was retained by the Denver Broncos.

Justin Strnad

Linebacker who was retained by the Denver Broncos.

Dre Greenlaw

Linebacker who departed the Denver Broncos.

Evan Engram

Tight end who is likely playing his final season with the Denver Broncos.

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What’s next

The Broncos will make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 62 overall in the second round.

The takeaway

The Broncos are in a unique position heading into the draft, having traded away their first-round pick to acquire Jaylen Waddle. The oddsmakers' insights into the team's potential draft targets provide valuable clues as to how Denver may look to address key needs on both sides of the ball to build on their successful 2025 campaign.