3 overreactions to the Denver Broncos' 2025 NFL Draft class: Building an elite defense, a major reach, and a hidden gem
The Denver Broncos addressed a lot of roster needs during the 2025 NFL Draft. Now it's a question of whether or not they selected the right players, which really takes a few years to get a fair evaluation of. However, for now we're going to live in the moment and make some overreactions based off […]
The Denver Broncos addressed a lot of roster needs during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now it's a question of whether or not they selected the right players, which really takes a few years to get a fair evaluation of. However, for now we're going to live in the moment and make some overreactions based off the information we currently have.
Overreaction No. 1: DL Sai'Vion Jones will be the Broncos' best player from this draft class
Jones could be one of the steals of the 2025 draft, even if he doesn't start right off the bat. He possesses awesome measurables at 6-foot-five and 280 pounds with 10-inch hands and an 80-inch wingspan.
Jones has a quick first step and his physicality is tough for opposing offensive linemen to match. I expect Jones to be an absolute weapon as a rotational pass rusher during his rookie year. With Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach are all entering the final year of their contracts, Jones will almost certainly step into a starting role in 2026.
As much as I also love the pick of first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron, Patrick Surtain II could steal some of his thunder. Jones will have the opportunity to develop into one of the NFL's premiere pass rushers.
Overreaction No. 2: WR Pat Bryant won't make it through his rookie contract
Denver's biggest reach of the draft was selecting Bryant in the third round. I get that coach Sean Payton values physicality and willingness to block in his wide receivers, but beyond that Bryant is very limited.
Bryant's 4.61 40-yard dash speed is awfully slow for today's WR standards, and despite playing with a physical style, he's doesn't have an exceptionally big body frame. If the Broncos were that locked-in on taking Bryant, they likely could have very likely gotten him with their fourth or even sixth-round pick.
Bryant better be a difference maker on special teams, because he just doesn't have the receiving skills to compete against NFL defensive backs.
Overreaction No. 3: Sean Payton will develop TE Caleb Lohner into a Pro Bowler
The seventh round is all about taking flyers on players with athletic upside. That's exactly what they did when they chose Lohner, who is yet another former college basketball player turned tight end.
Lohner is an absolute unit at 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, and is obviously highly athletic given his basketball background. Lohner's going to take time, as 2024 was the first year he every played football. He recorded just four receptions for the Utah Utes, but all four went for touchdowns, and he also caught a two-point conversion.
Payton played a major role in developing Jimmy Graham during his days with the New Orleans Saints. Maybe Lohner never quite reaches the heights Graham did, but Payton will know how to get the most out of him.
