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Broncos Pushing To Acquire Top-10 Pick

April 24th, 2025 at 7:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos have been linked to moving up or down in the first round of tonight’s draft. It is clear a trade closer to the top of the board is the team’s goal at this point.

Denver is making an “aggressive push” to acquire a top-10 pick, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. This runs counter to what came out — from both Russini and ESPN’s Adam Schefter over the past 24 hours — but the Broncos had been tied to potentially moving up earlier this week. As Denver plans appear fluid (or the messaging, or both), the team may well become the second tonight to trade up inside the top 10 — foll0wing Jacksonville’s blockbuster move.

The team has been tied to adding skill-position help. George Paton confirmed the Broncos will draft a running back, but it is worth wondering if the team would be ready to pull the trigger early. The Browns now sit at No. 5, having bailed on the Travis Hunter draft slot for a major haul. While Cleveland could use RB help post-Nick Chubb, Denver would make sense as an Ashton Jeanty suitor. Though, it would take a monster trade package to climb from No. 20 to Jeanty real estate.

Russini’s Wednesday offering indicated the Broncos were content at No. 20 and were not inclined to pay a trade-up price to climb up for a running back. ESPN.com’s Matt Miller also noted the Broncos viewed a wide receiver or tight end as a first-round priority over the much-mocked RB move. It might take a climb into the top 10 to land either Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, and the Broncos lessened their need to upgrade there by giving Evan Engram a two-year, $23MM deal.

It would be interesting if the Broncos, who focused otherwise on defense during free agency, opted for a non-skill-position pick via a trade-up maneuver. The team re-signed D.J. Jones and added Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw in March, fortifying a defense that ranked in the top five last season. Denver also has its five O-line starters returning, with all but center Luke Wattenberg signed beyond 2025. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out, as the Broncos could also use their No. 20 pick as a destination for clubs eyeing a vault in front of the QB-needy Steelers (No. 21). Rumored earlier today, this scenario might be Plan B for the AFC West team.

Draft Notes: Jets, Panthers, Warren, Cousins

April 24th, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

Set to select seventh overall, the Jets sit in an interesting position as things stand. A number of options will be available to the new regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn, many of which have already been mentioned.

Another one has emerged as the countdown to the first round nears its end. SNY’s Connor Hughes reports receiver Tetairoa McMillan has specifically been named as a potential target. The Arizona product has seen his stock shift over the course of the pre-draft process, but hearing his name called early tonight remains a distinct possibility.

Glenn has been reported to be pushing a defensive addition on Day 1, but Hughes notes the selection of an offensive lineman or a skill-position player remains the focus of attention around the team. Right tackle represents a need, while selecting a receiver or tight end would add to an offense which has undergone plenty of changes this offseason. If McMillan is on the board at No. 7, it will be interesting to see how the team proceeds. A pursuit of running back Ashton Jeanty – the subject of trade-up efforts by the Bears – meanwhile, should not be expected, ESPN’s Rich Cimini adds.

Here are some other last-minute draft notes:

  • For now, at least, the Panthers are scheduled to select after the Jets. Trading down has long loomed as a possibility for general manager Dan Morgan, and that remains the case at this point. If Carolina stays at No. 8, The Athletic’s Joe Person reports Jalon Walker is still the “presumed pick” as things stand. That comes as no surprise given the long-running links to the Georgia linebacker/edge rusher. Otherwise, Person names Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham as an option, along with McMillan if the team is moved toward an offensive addition.
  • Tyler Warren is considered one of two first-round locks at the tight end spot. He is a strong candidate to be drafted in the top 10 as a result, but teams outside that range are interested as well. The Colts are among them, per Hughes. That comes as no surprise, given the constant connections made between Indianapolis and the team targeting a TE move with Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. The Colts own pick No. 14, so a trade up the board would be required for Warren in particular.
  • Moves up and down the order have reportedly received consideration in the case of the Broncos. The latest update on that front comes from Person’s colleague Dianna Russini, who reports Denver is looking to trade up from No. 20. A running back or other skill-position player could be the target of such a move, depending on where in the order the team lands. Since the Broncos own the pick one spot before the Steelers (a potential QB landing spot), they will remain a team to watch closely in any event.
  • How things shake out at the quarterback position will be key as it pertains to Kirk Cousins. The veteran looms as an option for teams which are unable to select a rookie this weekend as he seeks a fresh start and starting opportunity. Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer reports Cousins could waive his no-trade clause as early as tomorrow based on the QB landscape at that point. Day 2 looms as a time when many teams could add signal-callers, however, and Palmer adds a more likely scenario would be for the one-year Falcons passer to wait until after the first three rounds take place to decide on how he wants to proceed. Cousins, 36, wants to avoid a repeat of how Atlanta operated last offseason but by the end of the draft there could of course be few (if any) suitors left in need of a short-term addition under center.

Broncos Taking Calls On Moving Down From No. 20

April 24th, 2025 at 10:23am CST by Sam Robinson

Sean Payton has never traded down in the first round during his time as a head coach, but the Broncos have an interesting opportunity to do so tonight. As quarterback-needy teams circle — regarding a class not deemed to have a second passer worthy of a top-10 pick — Denver’s No. 20 overall draft slot represents a pivotal point.

The Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick, and their lack of clarity on Aaron Rodgers certainly creates a perception a QB selection would be on tap. Pittsburgh is believed to want to make its long-term QB pick either this year or next, but with Rodgers not giving the team an indication of his plans — despite an offer being on the table for six weeks — the AFC North club is in a bind as the draft nears.

Although reports earlier this week pegged the Broncos as interested in trading up, ESPN’s Adam Schefter now notes the team is taking calls about moving down from 20. The Broncos could be the spot where the first non-Cam Ward QB strike — in what appears a fascinating trade derby — could be made.

The idea of Denver accumulating more draft capital is interesting, as the team has been light on high-value picks in recent years. It took two first-round picks and two seconds (along with four other assets) for the Broncos to pry Russell Wilson from the Seahawks. A year later, the team sent first- and third-round picks to the Saints for a second and Payton’s rights. While the Von Miller and Bradley Chubb trades armed the Broncos in that span, both assets acquired in those swaps went to securing Wilson and Payton. The team has not made first- and second-round picks in the same draft since 2021.

A Wednesday report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated the Broncos were high on this year’s running back class — just maybe not to the point a first-round pick was necessary. Denver has been regularly tied to North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in mock drafts, but the team also could address its need for more Courtland Sutton supporting-casters — especially with the No. 1 receiver set to turn 30 this year. Denver moving down from 20 would run the risk of missing out on Hampton or a quality wide receiver prospect, but other RBs and wideouts would await in a draft higher on depth than blue-chip talent.

The Browns, Giants and Saints could have interest in leapfrogging the Steelers for a passer; Payton obviously has a good line into the Saints, having worked with Mickey Loomis for 16 years. The Rams and Dolphins have also been connected to QBs, though Miami is more likely to add one in the middle rounds. Options could be there for the Broncos, who may have a chance to add more Day 2 draft capital by sliding down the board tonight.

AFC Draft Rumors: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Bills, Ravens, Titans, Jaguars

April 23rd, 2025 at 4:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos have been connected to trading up, but a year after Sean Payton admitted he participated in a smokescreen operation surrounding a potential first-round move up the board, the team may be content staying at No. 20. A recent report pegged Denver as a team interested in trading up, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini counters by indicating the team is comfortable staying at 20 or potentially moving back. It is important to note Payton’s teams have never traded back in the first round during his HC tenure, but the Broncos are known to be interested in adding a running back. A potential move down the board could allow the team to draft a starter-level RB while adding assets.

This could effectively serve as an announcement the Broncos’ No. 20 pick could be had by a team aiming to climb back into Round 1 — and there are believed to be many — for a quarterback. Though, ESPN.com’s Matt Miller adds the Broncos are believed to be more interested in adding a wideout or a tight end in Round 1 than addressing their RB need there.

A day out, here is the latest from around the draft:

  • Denver would be taking a risk by moving out of Round 1 altogether, as this is a loaded running back class. Another team that could be in the mix for a back: the Broncos’ top rival. The three-time reigning AFC champion Chiefs did some late work on TreVeyon Henderson, with ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler noting Andy Reid participated in a video call with the versatile Ohio State RB. The Chiefs hold the No. 31 overall pick and are not planning to extend Isiah Pacheco before the season, as the three-year starter missed much of last season with a broken leg. Henderson’s stock is on the rise, per Fowler, and his floor appears to be early in the second round.
  • Staying in the AFC West, the Chargers are believed to be eyeing an early-round upgrade to their edge-rushing corps, Miller adds. The Bolts re-signed Khalil Mack, but that came after the Joey Bosa release. Mack is also 34 and on a one-year deal. Bud Dupree is also in a contract year, even as two years remain on Tuli Tuipulotu‘s rookie pact.
  • Holding the No. 27 overall pick, the Ravens are believed to be interested in adding a safety — after multiple investments backfired at the position. As our Ely Allen pointed out in PFR’s mock draft, the shortcomings of Marcus Williams and Eddie Jackson restricted Kyle Hamilton last season. The Ravens want Hamilton to play a deep safety role, and Georgia’s Malaki Starks excelling in multiple areas would enable that and qualify as Baltimore’s “dream pick” in Round 1.
  • Bills ties to a first-round defensive tackle pick have emerged, but Miller indicates the five-time reigning AFC East champs have a higher opinion of Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos than the DTs expected to be available by No. 30 overall. Buffalo re-signed Tre’Davious White, but he profiles as more flier than true Rasul Douglas replacement. Amos would effectively qualify as a make-up call for the team’s Kaiir Elam miss.
  • Although Mike Borgonzi said the Titans are not planning to move off No. 1, despite some offers (most notably from the Giants), ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicates the team wants to add to its draft arsenal. Specifically, Tennessee wants to add a Day 2 pick. The team traded its third-rounder (No. 66) for L’Jarius Sneed last year, as Borgonzi was working for the Chiefs at that point.
  • Despite holding the No. 5 overall pick, the Jaguars threw a strange wrinkle into their pre-draft process. They did not conduct any “30” visits, Schultz adds. This has left teams guessing, though the odd plan also would stand to leave Jacksonville’s new regime with less intel on prospects down the board. Indeed, PFR’s Jaguars page lists no “30” visits, adding intrigue to the first Liam Coen–James Gladstone offseason blueprint.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/21/25

April 21st, 2025 at 8:04pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Philadelphia Eagles

Among literal free agent additions, LS Zach Triner is the only signing on the list. The veteran brings 84 games of experience to Denver, most of which came during a long stint with the Buccaneers. Triner will likely be competing with Mitchell Fraboni for the team’s long snapper role in 2025. As Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reports, Triner inked a non-guaranteed one-year deal worth the league minimum ($1.17MM).

A handful of teams designated players as their International Player Pathway program participants. Each qualifying team receives one roster exemption from the start of their offseason program to final preseason cuts. Today’s commitments include Thomas Yassmin (Australia), Bayron Matos (Dominican Republic), and Laekin Vakalahi (Australia).

Broncos Looking To Move Up In First Round

April 21st, 2025 at 6:44pm CST by Ben Levine

While there’s been plenty of talk about teams potentially moving back in the first round, it sounds like one team is actually focused on moving up the draft board. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos “have made inquiries about moving up” in the first round. Albert Breer of SI.com shares that sentiment, noting that Denver is one of the lone teams looking to move up.

[RELATED: Broncos To Make WR Addition]

The Broncos are currently armed with the No. 20 pick in the draft, and they own all of their picks through the first four rounds. The team doesn’t own a fifth- nor seventh-round pick, although GM George Paton and his staff do have three sixth-round selections at their disposal. Denver also has all of their 2026 picks except a sixth-round selection (sent to the Jets in the John Franklin-Myers trade).

After the Broncos made a surprising run at the playoffs behind rookie QB Bo Nix, the organization is obviously looking to take another significant step in 2025. There’s been plenty of speculation that the front office could look to add to Nix’s arsenal, with rumblings surrounding the addition of an early-round running back or receiver. On the flip side, there’s also been a rumor about the Broncos focusing their draft efforts on the defensive side of the ball — even after the Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga signings.

In other words, the Broncos’ trade opportunities will likely be dependent on individual players vs. any one overarching position. One thing seems pretty certain: the Broncos won’t be moving back. As our own Sam Robinson noted last week, Sean Payton has never traded down in Round 1 (and probably won’t start now).

Fortunately for the Broncos, they should have plenty of options if they ultimately decide to pull the trigger on a trade. While there’s been plenty of trade-back speculation regarding a handful of teams, Schefter definitively points to the Jaguars (No. 5), Panthers (No. 8), 49ers (No. 11), Falcons (No. 15), Seahawks (No. 18), and Buccaneers (No. 19) as teams picking before Denver that could be looking to move back.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/18/25

April 18th, 2025 at 6:40pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s minor moves as we head into the last weekend before the draft:

Arizona Cardinals

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Tennessee Titans

Dortch has had a couple decent seasons as a depth receiver in Arizona now. The Wake Forest product didn’t have much of a choice but to sign his restricted free agent tender and return for another year.

It’s been about five years since Smith has seen some success in the NFL. He signed late in the season with the Texans after a ton of injuries and did his job as a depth option at tight end. He returns on a one-year deal to serve as an option once again should Brevin Jordan or Cade Stover struggle with injury.

Hardee was re-signed to a one-year deal just over two weeks ago, but it appears the special teams ace won’t be sticking around in Nashville, or if he does, it will be on an injured list.

Dalton Risner Expects To Sign Soon; Vikings, Broncos, Bengals On Radar

April 18th, 2025 at 8:59am CST by Adam La Rose

With the start of the draft less than one week away, little movement is expected as it pertains to free agency. Dalton Risner is among the top offensive line options still on the market, and he could see himself signing in the near future, though.

The veteran guard has 87 appearances and 81 starts to his name, and he could occupy a first-team role upon arrival with a new employer. Risner, 29, has gone through a lengthy free agent process for each of the past two years, both times inking a deal with the Vikings. Minnesota’s offseason has included the addition of Will Fries along the interior of the O-line, however, so another Vikings pact could entail backup duties in Risner’s case. The team is nevertheless one of three in position to agree to a deal.

“Minnesota has shown interest in bringing me back, but only to an extent,” Risner said in a video posted to TikTok. “I will be on a team soon, I could imagine.”

The former second-rounder noted he is currently in talks with multiple teams and specifically named the Broncos and Bengals as other potential landing spots. Risner spent his first four seasons in Denver, operating as a full-time starter at left guard. He topped out as PFF’s 28th-ranked guard during that time, a feat which was surpassed this past campaign in Minnesota (68.1 overall grade, good for 22nd amongst guards). The Broncos already have Quinn Meinerz and Ben Powers under contract for multiple years, so Risner would be in line for a backup gig in the event he returned to the Mile High City.

The Bengals’ O-line setup has seen alterations at the guard spot during free agency. Alex Cappa was released, while Lucas Patrick was added on a one-year deal. The latter has started 64 games in his eight-year career, and he will compete for a first-team spot during training camp. Cody Ford was re-signed last month, and as a result he will be able to handle a swing tackle role and/or see playing time at guard if needed. Adding Risner to the mix would give Cincinnati another experienced option along the interior.

All three teams in question have the finances needed to add Risner, ranging from $16.56MM to $23.44MM in cap space as things stand. Minnesota, Denver and Cincinnati will of course need to set aside resources for the incoming draft class as well as other moves, but an agreement on this front could come together at any time.

Broncos To Make WR Addition

April 17th, 2025 at 9:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Courtland Sutton extension talks are underway, the Broncos’ No. 1 wide receiver is heading into a contract year and an age-30 season. The team, which traded Jerry Jeudy for two Day 3 picks last year, has not seen a consistent option emerge beyond its veteran leader — a holdover from John Elway‘s GM tenure. As the draft approaches, many are mocking skill-position players to Denver early.

The Broncos would also could be a player for one of the veterans still on the free agency board. Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen and Tyler Lockett will likely wait until depth charts become clearer after the draft (and the compensatory deadline) passes, but with the Broncos having a few rookie-contract wideouts supplementing Sutton, they profile as a candidate for a rental complementary option. They were in the Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs markets, though it never sounded as though serious talks took place.

[RELATED: Broncos GM Confirms Team Will Draft RB]

Entering the draft, Sean Payton said the Broncos “add numbers to the position” — be it through the draft or free agency. Denver will assuredly include some receivers in its UDFA class, but it would surprise if a notable addition did not take place as well. Broncos fans will soon see how the team feels about the trajectories of Marvin Mims and 2024 draftees Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele.

Payton praised Vele and Franklin’s progress, via the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson; a veteran addition or an early-round pick would stand to threaten the roles of those second-year players, as the team has Mims ticketed for a regular role after the two-time All-Pro returner showed considerable promise as a receiver late last season.

Nevertheless, the Broncos have met with Texas’ Matthew Golden and Missouri’s Luther Burden. They also are committed to adding to their running back group. The team’s confidence in its young WR cadre may well send a running back to Denver earlier. The team has met with Omarion Hampton — PFR’s Broncos selection at No. 20 — along with Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson and both Ohio State RB products (Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson).

Payton’s past with the Saints also featured a bevy of RB investments compared to top-heavy WR depth charts. The Saints drafted Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram in the first round and later paid Ingram and extended Alvin Kamara. Notable WR payments did take place (Marques Colston, Michael Thomas) under Payton, and the team did use a first-round pick on Brandin Cooks, but beyond the one-season Thomas-Cooks overlap, Payton’s teams did not overinvest at receiver.

Will the Broncos pass on an early-round Sutton sidekick next week? One move that would be a Payton first: trading down. Payton has never traded down in Round 1 (h/t the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel). Despite the rumblings about a running back or receiver addition early, a rumor about the Broncos devoting more resources on defense — even after the Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga signings — emerged as well, as smokescreen season runs wild.

The Broncos also lessened their tight end need by outmaneuvering the Chargers for Evan Engram. The former first-rounder’s agent said (via Gabriel) the recent Jaguars cap casualty viewed Bo Nix as a key driver for his signing, even as he considered other teams — the Bolts among them — with solid QB situations. Nix’s rookie contract runs through 2027, and his extension window does not open until after Engram’s contract expires.

Engram’s two-year, $23MM deal includes $16.5MM guaranteed at signing, likely tying the Broncos to their new TE1 for his age-31 and age-32 seasons. While the team could add at tight end as well in this draft, Engram’s presence would allow for patience.

Draft Rumors: Golden, Lions, Texans, Bolts, Broncos, Commanders, Raiders, Browns, Saints, Seahawks, Loveland, Panthers

April 17th, 2025 at 7:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

Matthew Golden‘s 4.29-second 40-yard dash showing at the Combine helped solidify him as one of this draft class’ top receiver prospects. Not quite a first-round pick in Ely Allen’s PFR mock draft, Golden has landed on the radar as a candidate to go on Day 1. The former Houston and Texas wideout has met with the Broncos, Buccaneers, Packers and Cowboys; he made some more trips before this week’s “30” visit deadline. Golden met with the Lions, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, and stopped through the Chargers and Texans‘ facilities, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks Golden as his No. 16 overall prospect, despite the talented pass catcher not posting a 1,000-yard season in college. He will almost definitely become the third Texas receiver drafted in the first or second round in two years, following Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell.

A week out, here is the latest from the draft:

  • Golden submitted the second-fastest 40 time at the Combine; Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston was fastest, at 4.28. Jeremiah’s No. 35 overall prospect, Hairston made some late visits as well. He also met with the Lions, while also spending time at the Commanders and Raiders‘ facilities, according to Rapoport. Finally, his tour included a Broncos meeting Tuesday, 9News’ Mike Klis adds. Among pure corners (non-Travis Hunter division), Jeremiah ranks Hairston behind only Jahdae Barron (Texas) and Will Johnson (Michigan). Hairston intercepted five passes in 2023, amassing 131 return yards and two TDs. The 6-foot-1 CB added another pick-six last season.
  • Primarily linked to using their No. 20 overall pick on a skill-position player, the Broncos also used a “30” visit on Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Klis adds. The Broncos re-signed D.J. Jones (three years, $39MM) but have starters Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers in contract years. Both are believed to be on Denver’s extension radar, but the team has some post-2025 questions here.
  • The Texans also spoke with Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka via Zoom, Wilson notes. A quality slot receiver who played as a sidekick to the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith in Columbus, Egbuka profiles as one of the safer picks at the position in this year’s draft. The slot weapon sandwiched an injury-limited 2023 season with 1,000-yard showings, helping the Buckeyes cover for Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s near-full-season absence in 2022. Egbuka also met with the Cowboys and Packers.
  • Shifting to the eight end market, Colston Loveland is expected to be a mid-first-round pick next week, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz notes, mentioning a 10-22 range in connection with the Wolverines standout. While not rivaling the monster stat line Tyler Warren produced last season, Loveland still made key contributions to Michigan’s 2023 national championship and has checked in consistently as this draft’s second-best tight end prospect. Loveland’s 56 catches set a Michigan TE record last year, and Schultz adds the high-level prospect has interviewed well. If Warren is off the board early, Loveland may not drop past the TE-needy Colts (No. 14).
  • Mason Taylor has made a case to become this draft’s third tight end selection. The younger brother of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Mason finished up his pre-draft visit schedule with Browns, Saints and Seahawks meetings, Schultz adds. Jeremiah’s No. 32 overall prospect, Taylor is part of a deep TE class. While the group may not match what 2023 brought, prospect-wise, the Warren-Loveland-Taylor-Elijah Arroyo contingent will generate considerable intrigue from teams who just saw a tight end (Brock Bowers) immediately become a team’s go-to target. Taylor caught 55 passes for 546 yards at LSU last season.
  • The Panthers completed a recent visit with UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger, Rapoport adds. Schwesinger was popular on the “30” circuit this year, already meeting with the Raiders after conducting a private pro day in L.A. earlier this month.
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