Broncos Send Message as Draft Results Spark Trade Speculation

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Denver Broncos general manager George Paton speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Denver Broncos were among the non-participants on Day 1 of the 2026 draft, securing wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a trade with the Miami Dolphins using the 30th overall pick long before the event arrived.

However, the Broncos also find themselves among the fringe winners after Round 1, with plenty of action still in store for Day 2.

There are also plenty of potentially strong fits still on the board.

Broncos Ready to Get on Board in 2026 Draft

GettyJosiah Trotter of the Missouri Tigers speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

Day 2 of the NFL Draft features Rounds 2 and 3, and the Broncos have made it clear that they are ready to go on the clock. Their first pick is currently slated for 62nd overall, with Day 2 of the draft beginning at 7 p.m. ET/5 p.m. MT.

“Our turn,” the Broncos declared in a post on X on April 24. “It’s #BroncosDraft day!”

DNVR’s Zac Stevens expressed confidence on X that there is “tons of talent still on the board for the Broncos in the second  round.”

“Of 12 possibilities I noted yesterday for #Broncos somewhere in 2nd round, only Caleb Banks went in 1st,” the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson posted. “Still available: Eli Stowers, Oscar Delp, Max Klare, Mike Washington, Jacob Rodriguez, Josiah Trotter, Anthony Hill, Jake Golday, Christen Miller, Lee Hunter, Bud Clark, and Kyle Louis.”

KOA’s Benjamin Allbright predicted the Broncos will select Trotter, later adding that he does not expect the team to pursue a trade up. That would prove quite costly for the Broncos, who are already working from a short supply of picks.

Instead, Allbright believes the Broncos could explore a trade down in the draft.

Broncos’ Trade Options Suggest Clear Direction

GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton looks on before a game between the Oregon Ducks and the Colorado Buffaloes.

With eight teams not making a selection in Round  1, the competition for players who slid into the top of Round 2 could get intense. There is somewhat of a split among the Broncos beat regarding how general manager George Paton will approach the remaining rounds of the draft.

9News’ Mike Klis suspected a move into Round 3 was possible, using their two fourth-rounders.

“I’d be surprised if GM George Paton doesn’t wind up with a second draft pick tonight. #Broncos currently have a low 2nd (62 overall) and nothing else,” Klis posted on X on April 24.

However, the projected cost of doing business could push them down rather than up, which could still get the Broncos back into the third round. They are already near the back of Round 2, with just two selections after theirs.

AFC West Loads Up on Day 1 of Draft

GettyFernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers looks on before the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium.

While the Broncos did not make a selection in the first round of the draft, all three of the other teams in the AFC West did.

The Las Vegas Raiders began the night as everyone expected, taking quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. The Kansas City Chiefs jumped up several spots in a trade with the Cleveland Browns to select cornerback Mansoor Delane.

Lastly, the Los Angeles Chargers selected EDGE Akheem Mesidor.

The Broncos went 5-1 against the division last season, and they will look to add a player who can help them repeat, if not improve upon, those efforts next season on Day 2 of the draft.

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter