Grading The Pick: Broncos look to address a major team need by drafting Tyler Onyedim with the 66th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos had several team needs entering the draft. With their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, coming in the second round, the team wasted no time bringing in a difference-maker in Texas A&M defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim.
The Denver Broncos have one of the most complete rosters in all of football. They were quarterback Bo Nix being healthy away from competing in a Super Bowl. Broncos Country had to wait a little longer for the team’s first official selection in the 2026 NFL Draft after the team traded with the Buffalo Bills to move down in the draft.
With the 66th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Texas A&M defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim. The Broncos needed a defensive tackle, and they got one in a big way.
Tyler Onyedim will immediately come in and make an impact with the Broncos’ 66th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
The only big knock against Onyedim is his lack of skill regarding stopping the run. Fortunately, the Broncos have a stout defensive line with two of the best EDGE rushers on the planet, which should ease some of the burden off of Onyedim’s shoulders.
Throughout his career, spread across four seasons at Iowa State and one season at Texas A&M, Onyedim played in 53 games with 55 solo tackles, 138 combined tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and one interception to boot.
A to Z Sports AJ Schulte broke down what Tyler Onyedim brings to the table. Needless to say, Broncos Country has to be more than thrilled with the official selection.
KC Concepcion was the highlight of Texas A&M’s portal class last year, but Tyler Onyedim was quietly just as impactful on the defensive side of the ball. As a pass rusher, Onyedim’s blend of explosiveness and pass rush move set make him a handful to deal with. He gets into blockers’ chests quickly and flashed some effective power-to-speed moves to get to the quarterback. Onyedim is quick to access a strong cross-chop and swim move to get past blockers. Where Onyedim’s game falls apart is as a run defender. He lacks the mass to be a two-gapper or even hold up in a gap-and-a-half scheme, and his thin lower half limits his ability to anchor in the run game. Onyedim can shoot gaps and attack in pursuit, but he will likely be a passing down contributor only early on in his career as a result. Still, he offers plenty of juice as a pass rusher and can align in multiple roles up front for a team.
AJ Schulte
A to Z Sports
Another big win from George Paton and company
The team didn’t have a first-round selection after trading for former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, so the fanbase had to wait extra long for the first selection to come in. It seems as though it was well worth the wait with the selection of Onyedim.
A to Z Sports prospect analysis: 6’3.5″, 292-lb interior defender with advanced arm length. 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks as Iowa State transfer. Solid PFF grades. Pass-rush arsenal underdeveloped; lacks counter moves beyond initial burst.
Grade: B+
