Broncos Must Consider These Prospects If They Fall to No. 62 in 2026 NFL Draft

The Broncos have a prime opportunity to find value in the second round despite not having a first-round pick.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The Broncos' second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft represents a prime opportunity to find hidden gems and build a contender.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos traded away their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they still have a chance to find solid value with the 62nd overall selection. The team could look to fill positions of need like running back, tight end, or inside linebacker, or they could opt to take the best player available regardless of need. There are several prospects who could be great value picks for the Broncos if they fall to the bottom of the second round.

Why it matters

The Broncos are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and return to the playoffs. Finding the right players in the draft, even without a first-round pick, will be crucial to their success. Identifying potential steals in the second round could provide a major boost to the roster.

The details

The Broncos traded their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in a package deal to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. That leaves them waiting until the 62nd overall selection to make their first pick. However, there are several prospects who could be great value picks at that spot, including linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech, defensive lineman Caleb Banks from Florida, offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State, wide receiver Chris Bell from Louisville, and running back Jadarian Price from Notre Dame.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Jacob Rodriguez

A linebacker from Texas Tech who has the tools to be an immediate starter in the NFL and excel in both run defense and pass coverage.

Caleb Banks

A defensive lineman from Florida who has first-round talent but could slip due to recent injury concerns, presenting great value for the Broncos if he falls to the second round.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle from Arizona State who is rising up draft boards and could be an ideal long-term replacement for the Broncos' aging tackles.

Chris Bell

A wide receiver from Louisville with size and physicality who could develop into a possession receiver for the Broncos.

Jadarian Price

A running back from Notre Dame who brings a combination of speed and power that the Broncos' offense lacked at times last season.

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What they’re saying

“The draft can go in several different directions and it's entirely unpredictable. The team has a good idea of which players could fall to them at No. 62, but there is always the chance a trade could take place in which Sean Payton and his group move up the board to get a guy they can't live without.”

— Travis Wakeman, Author

What’s next

The Broncos will have to wait until the 62nd overall pick to make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. They will closely monitor the draft board and be ready to pounce if any of these top prospects unexpectedly fall to them.

The takeaway

Despite not having a first-round pick, the Broncos have a prime opportunity to find great value in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. If any of these top prospects slide, the Broncos must be ready to pull the trigger and add a potential impact player to their roster.