Broncos 2026 NFL Draft position preview: Denver has franchise QB in Bo Nix but could target depth

Even with Bo Nix expected to be healthy, Denver will want a quarterback for its rookie minicamp and perhaps as a practice squad type through training camp and the regular season.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in shades of orange, navy blue, silver, and black, depicting a football game in an abstract, multi-perspective style.A cubist interpretation of the Broncos' quarterback depth chart, with Bo Nix as the centerpiece surrounded by the team's other signal-callers.Denver Today

The Broncos have their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, but they will still look to add depth at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. Denver re-signed Sam Ehlinger to a one-year, $2 million deal, and they have Jarrett Stidham under contract as well. While the team is set at the top of the depth chart, head coach Sean Payton always wants to develop quarterbacks and generate options, so the Broncos could target a developmental passer in the later rounds.

Why it matters

The Broncos have their starting quarterback in Bo Nix, but they will still look to add depth and competition at the position in the draft. Payton values having a strong quarterback room and believes in developing passers, so Denver could target a late-round prospect to groom behind Nix.

The details

The Broncos have several options at quarterback, including Nix, Ehlinger, and Stidham. Nix is expected to be healthy and on the field for OTAs in early June, but the team will still want a quarterback for its rookie minicamp and potentially as a practice squad player through training camp and the regular season. Payton believes in always being in the market for quarterbacks, even if you have a starter, in order to develop talent and potentially generate excess draft capital down the line.

  • Bo Nix is expected to be healthy and on the field for OTAs in early June.
  • The Broncos re-signed Sam Ehlinger to a one-year, $2 million deal.

The players

Bo Nix

The Broncos' starting quarterback who is expected to be healthy for OTAs.

Sam Ehlinger

The Broncos' backup quarterback who was re-signed to a one-year, $2 million deal.

Jarrett Stidham

A quarterback under contract with the Broncos.

Sean Payton

The Broncos' head coach who values developing quarterbacks and generating options at the position.

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What they’re saying

“Head coach Sean Payton always says he tells quarterbacks his job is to make them a lot of money.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach

What’s next

The Broncos will have their rookie minicamp in May, where they will likely bring in a quarterback to compete and potentially earn a practice squad spot.

The takeaway

While the Broncos have their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, head coach Sean Payton's philosophy of always developing quarterbacks means Denver will likely target a late-round prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft to add depth and competition to the position.