Broncos Find Second-Round Gems Over the Years

From Ian Gold to Courtland Sutton, Denver has unearthed key contributors in the second round of the NFL Draft

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a Broncos football player in action, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of navy blue, orange, and white colors representing the team's official palette.The Broncos' knack for finding second-round gems has been a key to the team's success, with players like Courtland Sutton and Nik Bonitto emerging as stars.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos have a history of finding impactful players in the second round of the NFL Draft, including linebacker Ian Gold, running back Clinton Portis, cornerback Darrent Williams, defensive lineman Derek Wolfe, and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. With the Broncos not having a first-round pick in 2026, GM George Paton is confident they can uncover another second-round gem.

Why it matters

The Broncos' ability to find quality starters in the second round has been crucial to the team's success over the years, especially in years when they didn't have a first-round pick. These second-round finds have helped the Broncos remain competitive and build a talented roster despite not always having a top draft position.

The details

The Broncos have found several standout players in the second round, including linebacker Ian Gold (2000), running back Clinton Portis (2002), cornerback Darrent Williams (2005), defensive lineman Derek Wolfe (2012), and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (2018). These players have made significant contributions to the team, with Portis and Sutton becoming Pro Bowlers and Wolfe playing a key role in the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 championship. The team's recent second-round picks, like linebacker Nik Bonitto (2022) and wide receiver/returner Marvin Mims Jr. (2023), have also shown promise.

  • The Broncos traded their first-round pick in 2026 to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
  • The Broncos' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will be their second-round selection, No. 62 overall.

The players

Ian Gold

A linebacker who played for the Broncos from 2000 to 2007, earning one Pro Bowl selection and making significant contributions to the team's defense.

Clinton Portis

A running back who played for the Broncos from 2002 to 2003, setting the franchise's single-season rushing record in his rookie year before being traded to the Washington Redskins.

Darrent Williams

A cornerback who played for the Broncos from 2005 to 2006, before his career was tragically cut short when he was murdered following the 2006 season.

Derek Wolfe

A defensive lineman who played for the Broncos from 2012 to 2019, starting from Day 1 and being a key contributor to the team's Super Bowl 50 championship.

Courtland Sutton

A wide receiver who has played for the Broncos since 2018, earning two Pro Bowl selections and becoming a leader in the team's receiving corps.

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What they’re saying

“We've fortunately been there before I think two different times. We have a good feel for that. We can hone in. It doesn't mean we won't trade up at some point, but we'll have a really good feel for the 62nd pick or whatever we're picking... We have a pretty good feel of that realm.”

— George Paton, Broncos General Manager

What’s next

The Broncos will look to continue their success in finding second-round gems in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they aim to build a talented roster around their new franchise quarterback, Bo Nix.

The takeaway

The Broncos' ability to uncover impactful players in the second round of the NFL Draft, even in years when they don't have a first-round pick, has been a key factor in the team's sustained success over the years. This track record gives the organization confidence that they can find another valuable contributor with their first selection in the 2026 draft.