The Denver Broncos made a big move in The Athletic’s post-draft NFL power rankings
The Denver Broncos came up one game short of the Super Bowl last season. As a result, the team didn’t feel the need to make sweeping changes this offseason, opting to improve around the margins instead
The Denver Broncos entered the offseason ranked No. 4 in The Athletic’s NFL power rankings.
After the 2026 NFL Draft, the Broncos are no longer at No. 4.
The Athletic’s Josh Kendall revealed the new power rankings on Tuesday and the Broncos have climbed to No. 3.
Kendall specifically pointed out the Broncos’ decision to draft Washington running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth round as a positive.
“Would Sean Payton love anything more than giving a third-string, fourth-round running back 12 touches a game?” wrote Kendall. “Coleman is a thumper who could eat into starter J.K. Dobbins’ carries and share the backfield duties with RJ Harvey by midseason.”
ESPN’s biggest question for the Broncos following the 2026 NFL Draft
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold also shared some thoughts on the Broncos following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Legwold questioned whether the Broncos did enough at tight end this offseason.
“Yes, the trade for receiver Jaylen Waddle will add pop to the Broncos’ offense, and Waddle was essentially their first-round draft pick,” wrote Legwold. “And after a 14-win season, there aren’t many rookie snaps to be had in Denver. But the glaring predraft need for this team was at tight end.
“The Broncos didn’t pick until the third round and waited until the fifth round (Justin Joly) and the seventh round (Dallen Bentley) to make selections at the position. Bentley is a physical player with big upside, but he is more of an in-line option at this stage. It is Joly who could offer some immediate help at receiver, and the Broncos will likely need him to be ready to contribute in the passing game in the regular season.”
Interestingly, ESPN’s Field Yates listed the Broncos’ selection of tight end Dallen Bentley in the seventh round as one of his favorite picks of the draft.
“The Broncos made the draft’s final two selections, using the penultimate pick on Bentley,” noted Yates. “He’s a long tight end who can be a factor in the middle of the field with his strong hands and useful run-after-catch ability. Bentley had 48 catches for 620 yards in 2025 and will compete with fellow rookie Justin Joly for an opportunity to take on coach Sean Payton’s ‘joker’ role on offense.”
There’s no doubt that Denver has a Super Bowl-caliber roster. The new pieces should help Denver take the next step this season.