It’ll be tough for any of the Broncos draft picks to crack the starting lineup

This offseason, the Broncos have been in tinker mode. While previous years saw Denver rebuilding, this time around has been more about fine tuning.

And the strategy makes sense. After all, the team is coming off a 14-3 season, a campaign that saw them earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and fall just three points short in the conference title game.

The Broncos don’t need to overhaul anything. They just need to build upon their strengths.

That’s done with a chisel, not dynamite. They’re putting the finishing touches on things, not trying to make it take shape.

Thus, free agency largely consisted of re-signing players from last year’s roster. The much-maligned approach of “running it back” makes sense.

At the same time, the Broncos did address their biggest need. Offensively, Denver was in search of a game breaker; they had to add a explosive weapon. They did just that when they traded for Jaylen Waddle.

As a result, there aren’t a lot of holes to fill. With the NFL Draft next week, that fact will impact the Broncos approach.

“We like to draft high-trait players,” George Paton said on Thursday. “They lack maybe a little polish.”

In other words, Denver is going to add some players who might not see the field much in year one.

“It’s going to take some development,” Denver’s general manager added. “We’ve done a great job with the coaches and developing these type players.”

That might not set well with the fan base, but it’s simply the reality with the 2026 Broncos.

“Sure, we’d like someone to come in and start right away, but that’s not always realistic,” Paton continued. “It’s just hard.”

That’s a testament to the roster. There aren’t a lot of openings to be filled, let alone by rookies.

“With the way our team’s built now, it’s going to be hard to come in and start day one,” the GM concluded.

He’s not wrong. One look at the depth chart make his point.

Offensively, there aren’t many openings. Bo Nix is the quarterback. Waddle and Courtland Sutton are the starting wideouts. And the offensive line is set in stone.

Maybe tight end is an area that could be improved, but Evan Engram is likely the starter at that spot. And it’s a position that is notoriously difficult for first-year players to shine, given the demands of learning both the running and passing games.

Perhaps running back is an opening, but the Broncos love both J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey. Their moves in free agency, or lack of moves, tell a compelling story.

Defensively, there are even less openings. Heck, last year’s first-round pick, Jahdae Barron, is having a hard time cracking the lineup.

Maybe there’s an opening at defensive end, where Eyioma Uwazurike is the current starter. Perhaps Justin Strnad isn’t entrenched at middle linebacker. But that’s about it.

The Broncos need depth. They need role players. They don’t need starters.

So don’t expect any immediate impact from this year’s draft class. Their general manager said so. And he’s not wrong.

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