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Every team is excited about their incoming class of rookies, but how will those new players affect each team in 2026?
Let's look at the Denver Broncos, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from their class while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Denver Broncos 2026 Draft Class: Which Rookies Will Make an Impact?
The Broncos parted with their first-round pick in the Jaylen Waddle trade and then moved out of the second round when Buffalo moved up for Davison Igbinosun. Finally, Denver made Tyler Onyedim (third round) its first selection of the draft. It was a surprising selection due to Denver’s depth on the defensive line, but Onyedim will be a candidate to start immediately in place of John Franklin-Myers, who signed with Tennessee. The selection tells us that Denver thinks Onyedim can get on the field, but he’ll have competition from Sai'vion Jones and Malcolm Roach, both of whom are under contract through 2028. With Zach Allen under contract through 2029, there’s only that one spot on the defensive line available to Onyedim. During his five years at Texas A&M and Iowa State, Onyedim never made much of an impact as a pass rusher but did thrive against the run. Last year with the Aggies, Onyedim recorded a tackle on 28% of his snaps against the run, the second-highest rate among FBS interior defensive linemen.
Jonah Coleman (fourth round) will serve as the backup to J.K. Dobbins and step in as Denver’s early-down ball carrier when Dobbins inevitably misses some time due to injury. Coleman is a well-rounded ball carrier and capable receiver, but lacks the explosive traits to be a feature back. When accounting for defenders in the box and the inside/outside direction of the run, Coleman generated 11% more yards after contact than expected but 8.2% fewer total yards than expected 一 which sums him up perfectly as someone who can pick up the tough yards but won’t generate enough explosive plays to provide much value.
Kage Casey (fourth round) started at left tackle for Boise State over the last three years but will likely shift to guard in Denver. Casey consistently dominated Mountain West competition but struggled in key non-conference games for the Broncos. In the short term, Casey likely provides depth at both guard and tackle but might compete for the job at left guard after Ben Powers’ contract expires at the end of this year.
Justin Joly (fifth round) and Dallan Bentley (seventh round) join a deep but underwhelming depth chart at tight end. Joly has been a reliable pass catcher at NC State and UConn with just enough athleticism to threaten the defense down the seam. With plenty of experience as a receiver and blocker, Joly will have a chance to get on the field immediately. Bentley is a developmental prospect who was used almost exclusively as a blocking tight end but flashes some upside as a pass catcher in 2025. However, Bentley will also turn 26 during his rookie year, so Denver won’t wait on his development for long.
Miles Scott (seventh round) was a valuable free safety at Illinois, but probably doesn’t have the athletic traits to win a starting job in the NFL. Scott overachieved in college due to his ability to read the quarterback. He can provide some depth at free safety, but his lack of size and athletic traits limits his versatility in the secondary. Red Murdoch (seventh round) was this year’s Mr. Irrelevant but should immediately be a valuable addition to Denver’s special teams units. As a linebacker, Murdoch’s 8% broken or missed-tackle rate was among the lowest in this year’s draft class, but sometimes fighting through traffic and getting to the ball carrier was an issue due to his lack of ideal size and length.
Expectations for this draft class were low after trading away their first-round pick, but Denver still came away with a relatively underwhelming class. Although Denver did upgrade their depth at some key spots and a few prospects have a chance to compete for jobs in the next year or two, it would not be surprising if we look back on this class in three years and realize Denver did not come away with a single starter.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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