2025 NFL Draft Overview: Denver Broncos

Strengthening an Elite Secondary: The Broncos doubled down on an area of strength by selecting standout cornerback Jahdae Barron—one of college football’s top talents—to line up alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II.

Immediate Impact Potential at Receiver: Wideout Pat Bryant, who posted an impressive 86.0 PFF receiving grade (13th among qualifying college receivers), brings the kind of production that could translate into early playing time in Denver’s offense.

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Defensive First Approach, Offensive Help to Follow:
Despite speculation that Denver would prioritize an offensive playmaker in Round 1, GM George Paton couldn’t pass on elite coverage defender Jahdae Barron, widely considered one of the best in college football last season. The Broncos pivoted to the offensive side on Day 2, addressing key needs and earning favorable marks in PFF’s draft evaluations.

Denver Broncos 2025 NFL Draft Class:

• Round 1 (Pick 20): CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

• Round 2 (Pick 60): RB RJ Harvey, UCF

• Round 3 (Pick 74): WR Pat Bryant, Illinois

• Round 3 (Pick 101): EDGE Sai’vion Jones, LSU

• Round 4 (Pick 134): EDGE Quandarrius Robinson, Alabama

• Round 6 (Pick 216): P Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida

• Round 7 (Pick 241): TE Caleb Lohner, Utah

  

  Round 1 – Building a Fearsome Cornerback Duo:
  The Broncos doubled down on their strength in the secondary, pairing elite cornerback prospect Jahdae Barron with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. Barron, who earned a nation-leading 91.1 coverage grade among cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps, is a natural fit in zone schemes. His instincts, versatility, and ability to play across the secondary make him a seamless addition to Denver’s defensive backfield.

  Round 2 – Sean Payton Finds His Kamara:
  In RJ Harvey, Denver may have landed a backfield gem. The UCF product mirrors much of what Sean Payton once had in Alvin Kamara — quick feet, elite change-of-direction ability, and exceptional contact balance. Harvey forced 69 missed tackles in 2024 and posted PFF grades of 82.3 or better in three straight seasons, while scoring 43 touchdowns over the past two years. He’s a potential game-changer out of the backfield.

  Rookie to Watch – EDGE Quandarrius Robinson (Round 4):
  Robinson brings explosive traits and natural tools off the edge, even if his resume is short on production. With his twitch, length, and stand-up rush potential in Denver’s 3-4 scheme, he’s a high-upside project who could develop into a quality rotational pass rusher with refined technique and a more diverse set of moves.

  Position Battle to Watch – WR Pat Bryant vs. Courtland Sutton:
  Denver made a statement by drafting Pat Bryant in the third round — higher than many projections — to push veteran Courtland Sutton, who’s in a contract year and has previously been floated in trade rumors. Bryant’s 86.0 PFF receiving grade ranked 13th among qualifying college receivers, giving him a solid case to earn early reps, especially at the X receiver spot. He may not replace Sutton outright, but he’s poised to compete for meaningful snaps.