The Denver Broncos do possess a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft contrary to popular belief. After Sunday’s AFC and NFC Championship games, the Broncos’ first-round pick is officially locked in.
Denver Broncos will pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos will pick 29th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Prior to the NFL trade deadline, the Broncos were without a first-round pick after they traded for Russell Wilson back in March. At the trade deadline, general manager George Paton traded Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins for a first-round pick which Miami previously acquired from the San Francisco 49ers.
Broncos draft order for 2023
The Denver Broncos possess six draft picks ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 29 — acquired from Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers)
Round 3, Pick 68 — acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 NFL Draft
Round 3, Pick 69
Round 4, Pick 108
Round 5, Pick 140
Round 6, Pick 194 — acquired from Pittsburgh Steelers (via Malik Reed trade)
How might Broncos draft situation change before April?
As the Denver Broncos continue their search for their next head coach, much of the team’s draft strategy will be contingent upon who they hire. George Paton and the next Broncos head coach will collaborate on perceived areas on the roster that could account for who they pick. If the Broncos hire Sean Payton as their next head coach, they’ll likely have to part ways with draft capital — including their first-round selection.
Under Paton, the Broncos haven’t drafted based on need, but have drafted based on upgrading depth with an emphasis on player development. How Denver approaches NFL Free Agency on March 15 will also be something to keep an eye on for how they may approach the 2023 NFL Draft.
The perceived team needs the Broncos will likely address in both free agency and the draft include offensive tackle, cornerback, defensive line, linebacker, outside linebacker, tight end, running back, and safety. Key in-house free agents include Dre’Mont Jones, Alex Singleton, Kareem Jackson, Billy Turner, Calvin Anderson, Dalton Risner, and Latavius Murray.
NFL Free Agency will occur when the new league year begins on March 15. The NFL Draft will occur on April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.