Denver, CO
Denver Broncos mock draft: Post-Jaylen Waddle trade
We’re coming back to the mock draft simulator this weekend. The Denver Broncos said ‘f dem picks’ and acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins this week. That trade provided a big boost to the offense, but it will make their 2026 NFL Draft much more challenging. With the reduction in draft capital, I decided to run several AUTOMATIC draft simulations through PFN to see what kind of players get mocked to them in the first two days of the draft.
Denver Broncos mock draft simulations
Broncos mock draft #1
In this first simulation, the Broncos drafted Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. People will say this would be a huge reach in the second round, but I think getting a guy who can be a first down, second down type back like J.K. Dobbins is a vital need for Denver in 2026.
Advertisement
Broncos mock draft #2
In the second simulation, the Broncos drafted offensive guard Keylan Rutledge out of Georgia Tech. This one surprised me and I don’t think I’d like this move very much if that’s what happened on draft day with just one pick in the first two days.
Broncos mock draft #3
In the third simulation, the Broncos traded up to the 54th spot in the second round to take defensive tackle Lee Hunter out of Texas Tech. They would give up pick 62 and pick 108 to secure the move. In a draft with so few picks, this would sting, but I wouldn’t hate it. Though Hunter is a 24 year old rookie, he is likely NFL ready in year one.
Advertisement
Broncos mock draft #4
In the fourth simulation, the Broncos drafted Arizona safety Genesis Smith in the second round. While I like JL Skinner and his special teams ability, Denver likely could use a long-term addition to the safety group. Smith would add a dynamic in coverage that the defense has often lacked — covering those tight ends and running backs.
Broncos mock draft #5
In the fifth and final simulation, the Broncos went with cornerback Keith Abney II out of Arizona State. People would probably hate the idea of taking a cornerback, but the Broncos have a decision to make between Ja’Quan McMillian and Riley Moss by next season. If they take a guy like Abney in the second round, it would give them tons of flexibility to make a trade somewhere else in the position group.
Of the five mocks, I only got excited over the Mike Washington Jr. outcome. Though I could see the reasoning behind all of the rest outside of taking a guard in the second round when they have decent depth already at that position.
What do you think? Or, better yet, run your own mock draft simulation and share it.