Every rebuild starts with belief—but real contenders build with precision. In Denver, that belief has flickered for years, fueled by flashes of promise but dimmed by inconsistency. Yet something feels different this time. The Broncos didn’t just break their playoff drought—they broke character. And when head coach Sean Payton stepped up to the mic with a quarterback in mind and urgency in his voice, it became clear: this isn’t just another offseason. It’s a blueprint moment. Now, with the draft around the corner, all eyes are on how bold Denver is willing to be.
Just a few days ago, Payton caught fans and analysts off guard with his Bo Nix reveal. While revealing that his first impressions of the QB weren’t the greatest, he reaffirmed Bo Nix as his quarterback heading into 2025. It wasn’t just a vote of confidence—it was a statement. The message? Nix isn’t just a developmental project anymore. He’s the guy. And Denver’s building around him like it. Now, the franchise is geared up for the ride to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the 2025 NFL Draft will take place.
After missing the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons, the Broncos finally broke through last year. But breaking the drought isn’t enough—they want the big one. The goal is clear: build a Super Bowl-caliber roster. While much of the attention has been on bolstering the offense, Payton knows the defense can’t be ignored. Still, there’s one position he refuses to overlook—quarterback. He can debate who his QB is, but not what that player needs. And that brings us to Denver’s 2025 draft strategy.
Sean Payton excited about the North Carolina RB
There’s a simple way to identify roster needs—compare your numbers to the rest of the league. Sean Payton certainly has. The Broncos averaged just 5.5 yards per catch last season, the lowest in the NFL. Their ground game wasn’t much better, logging 365 carries for 1,473 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Clearly, Bo Nix will need more explosive weapons around him. Enter Omarion Hampton.
The Broncos reportedly have their eyes on the North Carolina star, who tallied 3,565 rushing yards over three seasons with the Tar Heels. Hampton played in 38 games, rushing for 36 touchdowns. He also contributed to the passing game, recording 73 receptions for 635 yards and four touchdowns.
While Nix and Payton are said to be aligned on the idea of selecting Hampton with the No. 20 pick in the first round, CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner isn’t sold. “I get needing weapons for Bo Nix,” Renner said. “But I push back on the idea that a running back is really a weapon for a quarterback. You need to promote Bo Nix throwing down the field, not to a running back.” A fair counterpoint—but the Broncos might just trust their instincts here.
Targeting a Tight End, Receiver, and Lineman
The Broncos’ draft wishlist doesn’t end with Hampton. They’re also eyeing LSU tight end Mason Taylor in the second round (No. 51), Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson in the fourth, and USC offensive lineman Jonah Monheim in the sixth.
Taylor, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 251 pounds, is the son of Hall of Famer and former Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor. In his collegiate career, Mason logged 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns. He’d add size, versatility, and bloodline-backed toughness to the offense.
Round 4 could also present a heartwarming reunion. The Broncos are reportedly interested in Tez Johnson, Bo Nix’s Oregon teammate. Johnson played 14 games in 2023 (13 starts), finishing with 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns—second only to Troy Franklin on the Ducks’ roster. His familiarity with Nix makes him an attractive addition for chemistry and timing.
Credits: Imagn
As for protection, that’s where Monheim comes in. The 7th-round–projected offensive lineman out of USC has been praised by Pro Football Focus analyst Ben Cooper, who remarked, “He has plenty of room to grow.” At this stage, Monheim would be a developmental pick with long-term upside.
3 defensive picks on charts for the Broncos
While the offense has received a great deal of attention, the Broncos’ defense quietly shined last season. They led the NFL in sacks (63), ranked third in rushing yards allowed per game (96.4), and second in yards allowed per carry (3.9). Still, the organization believes in building for sustainability—and that means injecting young talent into the defensive unit as well.
The Broncos hold 11 picks in the 2025 draft, and Sean Payton reportedly has three defensive names circled. With their 3rd-round pick (No. 85), Denver is eyeing Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman. In Round 6, they’re targeting Toledo defensive back Maxen Hook and Georgia defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
Stutsman played 47 games in four seasons, tallying 376 tackles (184 solo), eight sacks, eight pass breakups, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles. Speaking about the draft, Stutsman said, “At the end of the day, you have to be happy where you go. A team is making a big commitment to you, and you just have to be ready to make a name for yourself once you get in the league.”
Hook, projected to be selected at No. 191 overall, brings similar productivity. He’s recorded seven interceptions, 15 pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and 359 tackles (181 solo). At 6 feet tall and 202 pounds, he offers physicality and versatility as a safety. Then there’s Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins—a bit of a project. According to The 33rd Team, the Georgia Bulldog is considered ‘underdeveloped,’ but with a 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame, he offers tremendous upside. With under 1,000 collegiate snaps, his experience is limited, but if developed properly, he could emerge as a force on the line.
With just five days remaining until the draft, Broncos GM George Paton is reportedly working the phones, exploring trade opportunities, and finalizing the team’s board. The goal? Simple—get the best talent available. But execution will be everything. The Broncos know their rivals are watching closely and will try to poach key prospects. If Denver wants to take that next step toward Super Bowl contention, it’ll need to hit on more than just a few picks.
The vision is clear. Now it’s up to Sean Payton and George Paton to make it a reality—one pick at a time.
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