Denver

Broncos

Payton explained that drafting a running back in the first round can be worth it if teams “have a real clear vision for how you want to use them,” citing Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram as successful examples from his Saints tenure. Broncos GM George Paton echoed the sentiment, saying he is open to the idea if the player is worth it, and indicated that the team is searching for a prospect with certain developable pass-protection traits. North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton has seemingly leapfrogged Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson for the class’ consensus No. 2 RB ranking but Henderson’s pass-pro chops could give him an edge here. Among P5 RBs with at least 175 qualifying snaps over the last four seasons, his 70.1 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks fourth overall.

Henderson is gaining steam as the draft approaches. He recently completed a visit with the Steelers, who pick one slot ahead of the Broncos in the first round. Widely considered a dual-threat running back, Henderson rushed for 3,761 yards and 42 touchdowns while at Ohio State and ran for 183-1,248-15 as a true freshman in 2021. “This is a really good fit for several reasons,” Underdog’s James Palmer said, adding that Denver head coach Sean Payton “puts a ton of value in pass protection,” an area in which Henderson excels. Henderson would instantly become Denver’s lead back over Jaleel McLaughlin if he lands with the Broncos.

Golden was already reported to visit the Buccaneers, Cowboys, and Packers last week. He has since also visited the Lions, Texans, Chargers and Broncos. The Lions and Texans don’t need a WR1 but could use an additional wideout for their offenses and the 21-year-old Golden offers speed and vertical ability. Meanwhile, the Chargers can insert Golden on the outside with Ladd McConkey in the slot to stretch the field with Mike Williams back in Los Angeles. The Broncos recently signed Courtland Sutton to an extension, but Golden would add another outside target for Bo Nix’s growth. Several teams are evaluating Golden as his rising draft stock sits squarely in the first round.

“I’m open and optimistic about the fact that I’ll be able to be here for the rest of my career,” Sutton added. The timeline for Sutton’s extension has been downplayed a bit by the Broncos this offseason and it sounds like they’re probably just waiting to figure out what happens in the draft to lock down a figure. Sutton was an unhappy camper last season after getting only a band-aid adjustment to his contract, but responded with one of the best seasons of his career.

The Broncos added former Saints interim head coach, and long-time special team coach, Darren Rizzi to their staff this offseason. He holds both the special teams coach and assistant head coach roles for Denver. The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reports that Rizzi is said to have “pushed” for Franklin’s signing this offseason, after watching Franklin dominate NFC South special teams play as a member of the Panthers. Franklin has totaled at least seven special teams tackles in each of the last four seasons.

The former Chargers’ fourth-round pick has been unable to remain on-field over the last two seasons, suffering a season-ending foot injury in November 2023, followed by an undisclosed season-ending injury in August 2024. Rumph has flashed pass-rushing and tackling traits when available, posting a career-best 10.3 percent pass-rush win rate in nine 2023 games. He has 26 quarterback pressures, three sacks and 19 tackles to his name.

Judkins’ visit with the Bengals comes after a recent meeting with the Texans ahead of the 2025 draft. He’s also slated to meet with the Broncos. The explosive Judkins racked up nearly 4,000 rushing yards and 45 rushing scores over three collegiate seasons, the final two with Ohio State. He added another five touchdowns on 59 career receptions at Ohio State and Ole Miss. There are some major holes in Judkins’ profile: In 2024 he finished 170th out of 190 qualifying running backs in rush yards after contact per carry and his yards per route run ranked 79th. He could complicate things for Chase Brown if the Bengals take him in the draft. Cincinnati holds the 17th and 49th picks in the draft’s first two rounds.

“I’m excited,” Payton added. This was always the belief behind the signing, as The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider forecasted the role on Engram. But it’s good to see it affirmed by the man who created the terminology. Payton continued: “The vision is pretty clear. Obviously we feel like he’s someone who can run, gives us a passing threat on third down and in the red zone. He’s got good body control and I think he’s really good when he gets the ball in his hands. His run-after-catch numbers, statistically-wise, have been good.” As Denver’s “joker” — in football, anyway — Engram projects to be a high-volume target and should make for a low-end TE1 for fantasy purposes.

Ehlinger will compete with Jarrett Stidham for backup duties this offseason. The former sixth-round pick has spent his entire four-year career with the Colts, appearing in eight games while throwing for 573-3-3 in those games. He’s no lock to make the 53-man roster.

Payton said he expects Sutton to be at the team’s offseason activities once they ramp up in the coming months. Sutton is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro. The soon-to-be eighth-year vet caught 81 passes for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for just the second time in his career. Sutton was only given a “bandaid” adjustment last offseason on his contract after missing team activities and assuredly will want a new deal before the season starts.