The Denver Broncos are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with the departure of John Franklin-Myers, the team is in search of a new defensive force to fill the void. The need for a pass rusher is evident, and the Broncos are looking to address this gap in the coming months. While the team has already re-signed some key players, the focus now shifts to finding the next big name who can make an immediate impact. The question remains: who will step up and become the next big defensive star for the Broncos?
One name that stands out is Kayden McDonald from Ohio State. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 326 pounds, McDonald is a force to be reckoned with in the run game. His 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss in the 2024 season speak for themselves. While his pass-rushing abilities are still a question mark, McDonald is undoubtedly a starting-ready player who can make an immediate impact in the trenches. The Broncos should be eager to secure his services and see what he can bring to the team.
Another player to watch is Peter Woods from Clemson. Woods had a monster 2024 season, but his production declined in the fall. Despite this, he still profiles as a versatile havoc-wreaker with plenty of NFL upside. His 10-yard split ranks near the top of his class, and he will be a fun piece for a late-first-round defensive coordinator to shift around in their scheme. The Broncos should be keeping an eye on Woods and considering him as a potential pick.
Lee Hunter from Texas Tech is another player to consider. Hunter's profile is complicated, with plenty of power but not much speed. However, he has racked up more than 9.5 tackles for loss in each of his last three seasons. The Broncos should be able to piece together a strong evaluation on him after drafting UCF RB RJ Harvey last year. Hunter could be a strong option to supplement Franklin-Myers' loss.
Christen Miller from Georgia is also a potential target for the Broncos in the second round. Miller has a great frame at 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds, and has graded out extremely well as a run defender the past two seasons. However, he is projected as a nose tackle in the NFL, and the Broncos already have two starting-caliber options there in Jones and Roach. Miller could be a strong option, but the Broncos should be mindful of their existing depth at that position.
Caleb Banks from Florida is another player with upside. Banks has as much pass-rush upside as anyone in this interior defensive-line group, but he has endured a rocky 2025 season due to injuries. If he is healthy, the Broncos should consider him as a potential pick in the second round. They have already hosted him on a top-30 visit, which is a good sign.
In addition to these players, the Broncos should also be keeping an eye on Chris McClellan from Mizzou. McClellan racked up six sacks during his senior year and was one of Denver's first top-30 visits this cycle. The Broncos scout Mizzou well, and McClellan could be a strong option to supplement Franklin-Myers' loss. However, he might not be around in the fourth if the Broncos pass on him at No. 62.
DeMonte Capehart from Clemson is another player with raw athleticism. Capehart didn't have explosive production in college, but his 4.85-second 40-yard-dash and 33.5-inch vertical are impressive. The Broncos could consider him as a developmental prospect in the fourth round, similar to Alabama's Que Robinson last year.
Landon Robinson from Navy is another player to watch. Robinson stands 6-foot-0, which isn't ideal, but he has jaw-dropping strength. He bulked up from an outside linebacker to a defensive lineman across his collegiate career, and could offer pass-rushing potential in the NFL. The Broncos have shown some interest in him, and he could be a strong option in the later rounds.
Gary Smith III from UCLA is another player to consider. The Broncos have three seventh-round picks, and Smith III could be a run-stopping fit at the next level. He has been a productive player for three seasons in a Bruins jersey, and his tackle production skyrocketed in 2025. The Broncos should consider him as a potential pick in the later rounds.
Finally, Uar Bernard from the International Pathway Program is the most athletic player in this draft class. Bernard has a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical, but he has never played a snap of professional football in his life. The upside here is too tantalizing for some team to not swing on Bernard. However, the Broncos should be mindful of the risks involved in drafting him.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos have a number of options to choose from in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the need for a pass rusher is evident, the team should also be considering other positions and players who can bring value to the team. The Broncos have a strong scouting team, and they will be looking to make the best possible picks to build a competitive team for the 2026 season and beyond. Personally, I think the Broncos should focus on finding a versatile defensive player who can make an immediate impact. With the right picks, the team can build a strong defense and compete for a playoff spot in the 2026 season.
