Part of the fun of the NFL draft is the unpredictability, particularly in the first round.

Every year a handful of prospects are selected earlier or later than projected. A few teams will go outside their positions of need and take a player that no one saw coming. 

Could the Denver Broncos make a shocking first-round pick this year? Never say never, especially since the Broncos are looking to establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the AFC after a breakout season in 2024. Let's take a look a few possibilities below.

RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Obviously if wouldn't be shocking to see Denver select a running back in the first round since it is arguably its biggest position of need, but landing the consensus top RB in the draft would make quite the statement.

The Broncos would definitely have to trade up to acquire Jeanty, possibly as high as in the top five. That would likely be a hefty price to pay, but Jeanty could be special. Adding him would round out Denver's offense nicely and take some pressure off of second-year quarterback Bo Nix.

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LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama 

Linebacker is pretty far down the list of needs for Denver, but Campbell could be too good to pass on if he's still available at No. 20. It's not out of the question that he will be, as some teams are concerned about a labrum injury that caused him to have surgery just a couple of months ago.

If they feel comfortable with his recovery, the Broncos may pull the trigger on Campbell. One of their prized offseason free agent signings, LB Dre Greenlaw, has an extensive injury history, and Denver needs to keep that in mind. Campbell and Greenlaw could make for a dynamic duo, and Campbell could take the reigns if Greenlaw isn't retained beyond the two-year contract that he signed.

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S Malaki Starks, Georgia

The Broncos just signed safety Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year deal, but could move on from Brandon Jones after the 2025 season. Starks could contribute as a third safety and a nickel defender during his rookie season, then slide into a starting role alongside Hufanga in 2026.

Starks is widely regarded as the best safety in this year's draft class, and there's a good probability of him being available when Denver hits the clock. Having him in 2025 would be a luxury, and would fill a future need in 2026 and beyond.

NFL insider reports the Denver Broncos could impact first round of 2025 NFL Draft in a way that not many other teams will

They’re prepared to be aggressive.