Broncos Look to Continue Draft Success in the 60s

Denver has found late second-round gems in recent years, hoping to strike gold again at No. 62 overall.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:13pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, conveying the excitement and unpredictability of the NFL Draft process.The Broncos' knack for finding hidden gems in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft has been a key to their recent success.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos have had tremendous success in the second round of the NFL Draft in recent years, particularly when picking in the 60s. Over the past few seasons, they've landed standout players like linebacker Nik Bonitto, wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., and running back R.J. Harvey. With the 62nd overall pick in this year's draft, the Broncos are confident they can continue that trend and find another impactful player to add to their roster.

Why it matters

The Broncos' ability to uncover talent in the middle rounds of the draft has been a key factor in their recent resurgence. Finding quality starters and contributors outside of the first round is a hallmark of the NFL's top franchises, and Denver's recent track record in that area has helped them rebuild quickly and position themselves as a contender in the AFC.

The details

Under general manager George Paton, the Broncos have found success with second-round picks in the 60s, including linebacker Nik Bonitto (No. 64 in 2022), wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (No. 63 in 2023), and running back R.J. Harvey (No. 60 in 2025). Paton believes the team's scouting and evaluation process has continued to improve, and he's confident they can find another impact player with the 62nd overall selection this year.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Broncos' first pick in the draft will be the 62nd overall selection in the second round.

The players

George Paton

The general manager of the Denver Broncos, who has overseen the team's recent success in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.

Nik Bonitto

An outside linebacker drafted by the Broncos in the second round (No. 64 overall) in 2022, who has made two Pro Bowls and received an All-Pro second-team nod.

Marvin Mims Jr.

A wide receiver and kick returner drafted by the Broncos in the second round (No. 63 overall) in 2023, who has been selected to two Pro Bowls and received one first-team and one second-team All-Pro nod.

R.J. Harvey

A running back drafted by the Broncos in the second round (No. 60 overall) in 2025, who rushed for 540 yards as a rookie with 12 total touchdowns.

Charles Davis

An NFL Network draft analyst who believes the Broncos have been successful in finding talent throughout the draft, not just in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“The best teams know it's not just the first-round pick. The best teams know how to make hay in the middle of the draft and find people all the way through. The Broncos have been doing it. No reason to think they won't continue to do it.”

— Charles Davis, NFL Network draft analyst

“We're going through our process. Our process has worked and it continues to evolve. I think it's better. I feel more prepared for this draft than I was for last year's and the prior draft. We've done well in that realm. It doesn't mean anything. We still go through our process.”

— George Paton, Broncos general manager

What’s next

The Broncos will make their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23rd, with the 62nd overall pick in the second round.

The takeaway

The Broncos' ability to consistently find valuable contributors in the middle rounds of the draft, particularly in the 60s, has been a key factor in their recent resurgence. With another high second-round pick this year, the team is confident they can continue that trend and add another impactful player to their roster.