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Broncos Prioritize Trenches in 2026 NFL Draft

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, April 1st 2026 at 2:51 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Denver, Colorado - April 1, 2026 - Following a frustrating 2025 season that fell short of expectations, the Denver Broncos are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear mandate: overhaul the trenches. A recent mock draft released by Sporting News' John Franklin Myers paints a picture of a Broncos team prioritizing both bolstering its pass rush and providing elite protection for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The draft strategy, if followed, signals a significant shift towards foundational building blocks, addressing areas deemed critical to success by the Broncos' front office.

Last season saw the Broncos struggle with consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, often relying on blitz packages that left the secondary vulnerable. Simultaneously, Wilson faced increasing pressure himself, leading to hurried throws, sacks, and a noticeable decline in efficiency. The team's offensive line, while showing flashes of potential, lacked the consistent dominance needed to control the line of scrimmage and establish a reliable running game. Myers' mock draft directly addresses these shortcomings, offering a potential roadmap for the Broncos' return to contention.

First Round Focus: Edge Rusher and Offensive Tackle

Myers projects the Broncos selecting Laiquan Land, an edge rusher from Auburn, with the 12th overall pick. Land isn't merely a pass-rushing prospect; he's described as a 'disruptive force' - a player capable of consistently impacting opposing offenses, whether through sacks, pressures, or forcing errant throws. In a league increasingly dominated by athletic quarterbacks, the ability to consistently get after the passer is paramount. Land's potential arrival would immediately elevate the Broncos' defensive front, allowing them to potentially reduce reliance on complex blitz schemes and better utilize their secondary. Scouts are high on Land's combination of size, speed, and technique, believing he possesses the tools to become a perennial Pro Bowl contender.

But the Broncos' needs don't stop at getting to the quarterback. Protecting their quarterback is equally vital. This is where JC Latham, the offensive tackle from Alabama, comes into play. Projected to be available at pick No. 29, Latham is widely considered one of the most technically sound and physically imposing offensive tackle prospects in the draft. At 6'6" and over 315 pounds, Latham possesses the size and strength to anchor the Broncos' offensive line. His ability to consistently win one-on-one matchups and provide a secure pocket for Wilson would be a game-changer. Adding Latham addresses a critical weakness that hampered the offense in 2025 and lays the groundwork for a more potent and balanced attack.

Beyond the First Round: Filling Out the Roster

While the first two picks address immediate needs, a successful draft requires depth and versatility. Analysts expect the Broncos to prioritize linebackers in the second and third rounds, looking to upgrade a unit that struggled with coverage and run support last season. Adding a dynamic tight end to provide Wilson with another reliable target is also seen as a possibility. The team may also look to add depth along the defensive interior, recognizing the importance of a rotating defensive line to keep players fresh and maintain a consistent pass rush.

The Broncos' approach to free agency this offseason was relatively restrained, indicating a strategic decision to allocate resources towards the draft. This suggests the team believes it can find significant value in the draft and build a competitive roster through player development. This is a smart approach, particularly given the rising costs of free agency and the potential for long-term cost control with drafted players.

The Pressure on Sean Payton

Head coach Sean Payton is under increasing pressure to deliver a winning season in 2026. After a disappointing 2025, the Broncos' ownership has made it clear that they expect to see significant improvement. The success of this draft - and the ability of the Broncos to effectively integrate these new players - will be a key indicator of whether Payton can turn the franchise around. The combination of a strong draft class and Payton's offensive expertise could potentially unlock Russell Wilson's full potential and return the Broncos to the playoffs.

The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and all eyes are on the Denver Broncos. John Franklin Myers' mock draft offers a compelling vision of a team focused on building from the trenches, a strategy that could very well determine their fate in the coming years.