Experts grade Broncos' first-round 'pick' in 2026 NFL draft
What grade would you give the Broncos for trading their first-round pick to acquire Jaylen Waddle?
The Denver Broncos did not make a pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday evening, but they do have a new player thanks to the 30th overall pick. Denver traded that pick to the Miami Dolphins as part of a deal to acquire star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle last month. (Miami later flipped the pick to stockpile even more draft picks.
) So, the Broncos ' first-round draft "pick" this year is essentially Waddle. Here's a sampling of how NFL experts graded the grade for Denver. ESPN: B- "I'm always hesitant about premier draft capital for veterans, but given the contract, the position and the limited contention window for Denver, I can see why they did this," said ESPN's Seth Walder .
CBS Sports: A- "Free agency left Broncos fans with little reason for excitement, as their team was the only one to not sign a player from outside the building," said CBS Sports' Carter Bahn . "How quickly the narrative can change. Denver made one of the most aggressive trades of the offseason with a move that should give those in the Mile High City hope that their offense will take a leap forward in 2026.
" USA TODAY: B+ "For the Broncos, Waddle arrives as a much-needed speedy complement to Courtland Sutton and a target capable of opening things up in Sean Payton's offense," said Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz . Sporting News: A "Although Denver was well positioned for some good WR talent at No. 30 overall in the first round, the team felt more comfortable with much more experienced Waddle in their offense," said Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer .