Denver went 14-3 in 2025 and reached the AFC Championship Game before losing 10-7 to New England. The roster is one of the NFL's most complete, built around franchise QB Bo Nix on a rookie deal and an elite top-3 defense led by Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, and Pat Surtain II.
| Round 2 | #62 |
| Round 4 | #108 (from Saints), #111 (from Dolphins) |
| Round 5 | #170 |
| Round 7 | #246, #256, #257 |
Acquired 4th-round pick (No. 108) from Saints in Devaughn Vele trade. Sent 6th-round pick to Jets in 2024 John Franklin-Myers trade. Received two 7th-round compensatory picks (No. 256, 257). Traded 1st (#30), 3rd (#94), 4th (#130) to Dolphins for WR Jaylen Waddle and 4th (#111).
Important Needs
P.J.
Payton identified linebacker as a top need at the Combine.
John Franklin-Myers left for the Titans on a 3-year, $63M deal, creating a significant void on the defensive line.
Depth Needs
Addressed via blockbuster trade for Jaylen Waddle from Miami.
The starting OL returns intact for a third straight year, PFF's No.
Mike McGlinchey carries a $23.8M cap hit in each of the next two years and has been inconsistent in pass protection.
Minor Needs
J.K.
- Lost DL John Franklin-Myers to Titans (3yr/$63M) — significant IDL need created, was a 14.5-sack starter over two years
- Lost S P.J. Locke to Cowboys (1yr/$5M) — increases safety depth/starter need
- Cut LB Dre Greenlaw, returned to 49ers — LB depth thinned, but Singleton/Strnad re-signed
- Re-signed LB Alex Singleton (2yr/$15.5M) — stabilizes ILB short-term but still need youth
- Re-signed LB Justin Strnad (3yr/$18M) — solidifies ILB depth
Denver runs a 3-4 base defense under Vance Joseph that is among the NFL's most aggressive and man-heavy. Full scheme analysis →
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