NFL draft grades: Experts grade the Broncos' 2026 draft class

The Denver Broncos came out of the 2026 NFL draft with seven new players , and reactions are pouring in. Sean Payton has said it's best to judge a draft class three (or so) years down the road, but instant draft grades are a fan favorite every April. So, even though these early takes should be taken with a grain of salt, we've put together a quick list of Broncos grades for the 2026 draft class.

NFL. com : A- "Denver drafted Coleman with the fourth-round pick it acquired from New Orleans for receiver Devaughn Vele, adding a power runner to a deep running back group," Chad Reuter wrote for NFL. com.

"Casey adds depth at tackle and guard for the Broncos. Joly and Bentley bolstered the tight end room. Linebacker depth was a need for the Broncos and Murdock's intensity in the box should absolutely make him relevant even though he was the final pick of the 2026 draft.

" USA TODAY : B+ "Their draft was pretty much about – and will ultimately be defined – by the acquisition of WR Jaylen Waddle for multiple picks this year , including the 30th overall selection," Nate Davis wrote for USAT . "A reasonable gamble given how close the Broncos got to Super Bowl 60 as well as the defensible opportunity cost of largely bypassing this year’s middling prospects. Third-round DL Tyler Onyedim could soften the loss of John Franklin-Myers in free agency, and fourth-round RB Jonah Coleman should get some touches.