The Denver Broncos shocked the NFL world and went 10-7 in the 2024 season. Can they ascend to Super Bowl contender status in 2025? Rookie QB sensation Bo Nix also threw for 29 touchdowns, which was the fifth-most in the entire NFL. Simply put, Denver proved many, many people wrong.
And all of a sudden, after their stellar free agency period, the Broncos roster is locked, loaded, and quite close. They don't have many urgent holes at all besides running back and could be flirting with contention if they are able to have a solid 2025 NFL Draft class.
You have to figure that they plan on addressing the offensive side of the ball in a big way with their top picks, and the right players can become immediate contributors and have a huge and positive impact on Nix's development into year two.
Let's get into this Broncos mock draft.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Denver Broncos ascend to Super Bowl contender status
Rounds 1-2
20. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Matthew Golden is a very polished wide receiver prospect and is available for the Denver Broncos with the 20th overall pick. Denver did visit with Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III from Missouri, so that could mean that the Broncos are considering a WR in the first round.
I guess it would depend on what flavor of WR you personally like. Denver needs more of a "Z" at the position who can separate with route-running and flourish on a lot of those underneath routes. Matthew Golden could be that guy for the Denver Broncos.
51. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Now yes, TreVeyon Henderson might not be on the board when the Denver Broncos are picking in the second round, but I cannot control what the simulator gives me. Henderson is another player who fits the Denver Broncos offense like a glove.
He could take most of the RB1 carries and has plus-ability as a pass-catcher at well. I have personally seen his game compared to Aaron Jones and Jahmyr Gibbs, which is precisely the type of back that the Broncos need for Bo Nix and the offense as a whole.
Round 3-6
85. Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
It's time for the Denver Broncos to add to their defense. While the defense looks truly elite on paper, the defensive line could go through some transition in the next offseason or so. There's every reason in the book for the Broncos to use one of their top-100 picks on a defensive tackle. Shemar Turner is the pick in the third round.
The team did just re-sign DJ Jones, but Malcolm Roach's contract is currently set to expire following the 2025 NFL Season, so they may need an additional body here.
122. Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
There are so many draftable tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft that it would be malpractice for the team to not take one. They signed Evan Engram in free agency, but Engram is not a true in-line tight end and is a short-term solution here on a two-year deal.
Jake Briningstool could hang in the TE room alongside Engram and Adam Trautman before hopefully becoming their long-term option at this position. Denver has oddly had bottom-tier tight end production for years now.
191. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
Jaydon Blue could be one of multiple running backs that the Denver Broncos take in the 2025 NFL Draft. With their current RB room featuring players like Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin, the need for two backs in the NFL Draft is present.
And again, like tight end, it's a deep class, so it would not be wise for Denver to only take one back. You can always shift players around or even trade them in the event that scenario were to pop up. Denver hopes that their re-made RB room is a top one for years to come.
197. Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
Being that both Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey are getting up there in age, it would also be smart for the Broncos to at least use a Day 3 pick on a developmental tackle. Jack Nelson is the pick here with the Broncos sixth-round pick.
208. Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
With their third sixth-round pick, the Broncos add another young player to their secondary, drafting Justin Walley from Minnesota, capping off what could be a draft class that helps Denver ascend to Super Bowl contender status.