Contrary to popular belief, the Denver Broncos do have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. After Sunday’s AFC and NFC championship games, the Broncos’ first-round pick is officially locked.
Denver Broncos to enter 2023 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos will select with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Before the NFL trade deadline, the Broncos were without a first-round pick after trading Russell Wilson in March. At the trade deadline, general manager George Patton traded Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins for the first-round pick Miami had previously acquired from the San Francisco 49ers.
Broncos 2023 Draft Order
The Denver Broncos have seven picks ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
1st round, 29th pick — Acquired from Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers)
3rd round, 68th pick – Received from the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 NFL Draft
The third round, pick 69
In the fourth round, choose 108
Fifth round, pick 140
Round 6, Pick 194 – Acquired from Pittsburgh Steelers (via Malik Reed trade)
Round 7, Pick 247 — Acquired from Minnesota Vikings (via Stephen Weatherly trade in 2021)
How might the Broncos’ draft situation change before April?
As the Denver Broncos continue to search for their next head coach, much of the team’s draft strategy will depend on who they hire. George Payton and the next Broncos head coach will work together on the perceived areas of the roster that explain their picks. If the Broncos hire Sean Payton as their next head coach, they may have to forgo draft money — including their first-round pick.
Under Paton, the Broncos didn’t draft based on need, but rather on upgrade depth, with an emphasis on player development. How Denver approaches NFL free agency on March 15 will also be something to watch as it approaches the 2023 NFL Draft.
Think the team needs what the Broncos might address in free agency and the draft, including offensive tackle, cornerback, defensive lineman, linebacker, outside linebacker, tight end, running back and safety. Key interior free agents include Dre’Mont Jones, Alex Singleton, Kareem Jackson, Billy Turner, Calvin Anderson, Dalton Risner and Latavius Murray.
NFL free agency will take place at the start of the new league year on March 15. The NFL Draft will be held April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.
