Denver, CO
Three Best Fits For Denver Broncos In First Round Of 2025 NFL Draft
In many ways, the Denver Broncos had an extremely successful 2024 season.
The team made the playoffs after finishing with a 10-7 record and rookie quarterback Bo Nix looked to be on his way to becoming a franchise quarterback.
This offseason, the team added some quality free agents including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Evan Engram. Now, the team will head into the draft looking to fill some specific needs and take the next step in 2025.
Most mock drafts to this point have had the Broncos going with an offensive player in the first round. Today, let’s identify the three best first-round fits for the team in 2025.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Colston Loveland is the name that has been most commonly linked to the Broncos with the No. 20 pick. There’s a good reason for that, as the Michigan product could take the Broncos’ offense to the next level.
Loveland is a versatile receiving threat who excelled even on a weak Michigan offense. The tight end has the speed to play in the slot or he could line up as a traditional in-line tight end.
In 2024, Loveland caught 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns. In Denver, the tight end could start next to wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. and fellow tight end Evan Engram.
John McGloughlin/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Another player who is frequently mocked to the Broncos who could help on offense is running back Omarion Hampton.
Hampton is a dynamic runner who filled up the stat sheet at North Carolina. The former Tar Heel demonstrates exceptional burst and often requires multiple defenders to take him down.
In 2024, Hampton collected 1,660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. The running back also caught 38 passes for 373 yards and two scores. 2024 was the second consecutive season that Hampton led the ACC in rushing.
In Denver, Hampton could immediately become the team’s work horse. Former starter Javonte Williams left in free agency and the team is currently slated to start Jaleel McLaughlin.
Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Sticking with the theme of offensive playmakers, the Broncos should be interested in Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III.
Burden is an extremely talented wide receiver and former top recruit. The pass-catcher is dynamic with the ball in his hands and is already a smooth route-runner.
In 2024, the receiver caugh 61 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns. Burden’s best season came in 2023, however, when he caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns.
In Denver, Burden could immediately start on the outside opposite Courtland Sutton, giving the team a dynamic receiver duo.
Denver, CO
Tempers flare during another tightly contested matchup between Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder
The University of Denver will close the Ricks Center for Gifted Children next year as enrollment has fallen in recent years, the college announced this week.
The Ricks Center, which serves gifted children as young as 3 years old, will operate for the 2026-27 academic year before closing, according to a letter DU sent parents on Wednesday.
“The University of Denver has made the difficult decision to close the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year,” spokesman Jon Stone said in a statement. “This decision reflects long-term operational and financial considerations and is not a reflection of the school’s quality, leadership, or community.”
The center, which is located on DU’s campus, was started in 1984 as the University Center for Gifted Young Children. The program offers classes to students in preschool through eighth grade, according to the website.
The program, along with other public K-12 schools in the state, has experienced declining enrollment in recent years. The center enrolled 142 students for the 2025-26 academic year, which is down from 200 pupils four years ago.
The center will hold a meeting about the pending closure on March 6 for parents.
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David Fountaine Black
OBITUARY
Dave and Martha and their three boys moved to Denver in 1974 when Dave started work at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. He and a business partner later purchased Mid-America Plating Company. Dave operated Mid-America for 36 years and finally retired in 2018.
He was a great golfer and natural athlete. Dave was an avid runner, and for many years, he woke up before the sun to get his miles in before work. He and Martha loved playing bridge with friends, gardening – growing fruit and flowers – and spending time outside relaxing and walking on the High Line Canal Trail and in Bible Park. Dave and Martha enjoyed getting back to Arizona during the winter at their Tucson home. They loved spending time with their family.
Dave passed away on February 20, 2026. He is loved by family and friends and will be missed. Dave was a hard-working, kind, optimistic, and thoughtful person who leaves the world a better place. He is survived by his wife, Martha, and his three sons, Dave (Robin), Tom (Debbie), Eric (Kendra), as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Casey (Nicole), Jake (Ashleigh and great granddaughter Faye), Hailey (Robby and great granddaughter Jensen), Keenan (Nicole and great granddaughter Olivia), Griffin, and Addie (Erik).
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