Mel Kiper's mock draft has the Broncos landing a potential steal

In his latest two-round 2026 NFL mock for ESPN , Mel Kiper projects the Denver Broncos landing a potential steal in the second round. The Broncos do not hold a first-round pick in this year's draft following the Jaylen Waddle trade last month. With their second-round pick (No.

62 overall), Kiper has the team selecting Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks , who seemingly had his draft stock dip due to his history of foot injuries. This is Kiper's commentary for the pick in his mock draft: Welcome to the draft, Denver! With a pretty deep roster, the Broncos can afford to take a little bit of a risk.

Banks' talent is more in line with Round 1, but he is dealing with yet another foot injury, which could keep him on the board until the middle part of Day 2. Banks is a disruptive presence on the interior, and he can stuff the run at 6-6 and 327 pounds. With John Franklin-Myers leaving in free agency, coordinator Vance Joseph could use someone like Banks on the inside.

The other position to watch here is tight end; Evan Engram is entering the final year of his deal. Kiper will presumably release one more mock draft next week, just before the picks begin. After the Waddle trade , Denver holds seven picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.