Courtland Sutton, who is currently scheduled to be a free agent in 2026, arguably had his best season (81/1,081/8) in 2024. There's optimism for both sides to agree to an extension, but Sutton turns 30 in October and the team could look to bolster the rest of the receiving corps. Boston has a wide catch radius and strong hands with the size (6'4", 209) and speed to rack up yards after the catch or be a red-zone weapon. If Boston, who underwent a cleanup procedure last month, has a full season similar to 2024's first half, he could put himself in the conversation to be the first receiver drafted in 2026.

Courtland Sutton is slated to be a free agent next offseason. The expectation is that Denver will get a deal done with its star pass catcher, but Stewart is a potential substitution in the first round.

Tate is next in line out of Ohio State's wide receiver factory and would be a good addition for Denver to help quarterback Bo Nix. He is a smooth, efficient-moving receiver who had 52 receptions for 733 yards and 4 touchdowns last season as the Buckeyes' WR3. With Emeka Egbuka off to the NFL, Tate has a chance to step up his production and further show his dependability as a pass catcher and route runner.

Best Pick: Third-round edge Sai'vion Jones has a chance to be a nice rotational player on their defense. He has the twitch they love from their outside rushers.

Worst Pick: I like second-round running back R.J. Harvey, but I thought it was a little high for him. He isn't great in pass protection, which is something that has to improve in this offense. He does have big-play ability.

The Skinny: Taking corner Jahdae Barron in the first gives them another nice player on the back end. Harvey can rip off big plays, but he went too high by my book. I know Sean Payton sees him as Alvin Kamara-like. I like Jones in the third, and third-round receiver Pat Bryant can play.

Top needs entering the draft: Running back, cornerback and wide receiver

A year ago, I was concerned the Broncos had too many roster questions to reach for a QB in the first round. I thought they might seek a Day 1 trade down to stockpile picks while navigating the Russell Wilson dead-money salary cap fiasco. Well, fast-forward 12 months. Bo Nix threw 29 touchdown passes as a rookie after coach Sean Payton made him the sixth QB off the board at No. 12 last April, and the Broncos had arguably the league's best defense and offensive line in 2024.

So, the draft objectives changed a little bit in 2025. Denver is suddenly shaping a contender, as it tries to challenge the Chiefs for the AFC West and return to the playoffs for a second straight year. Running back -- a non-premium position -- is listed as my No. 1 need for this team. I really thought the Broncos might take Omarion Hampton when he was still there at No. 20. Instead, they got a super versatile defensive back in Jahdae Barron. He had five interceptions last season and answered speed questions with an exclamation point at the combine, running a 4.39. Good luck throwing on Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss and Barron this season.

The running back play came on Day 2, but it wasn't the splashy move I was looking for at the position. RJ Harvey was my RB9, and Denver took him when Kaleb Johnson, Dylan Sampson and others were still available. Javonte Williams didn't move the needle much last season as the team's top rusher (513 yards), and he signed in Dallas. The Broncos really needed a dominant three-down back. Harvey is more likely to help in spurts, especially if Payton can get him in space. Perhaps Harvey serves as his "joker," the multidimensional offensive playmaker whom he likes in his offenses (think Alvin Kamara in New Orleans).

The third-round picks -- receiver Pat Bryant and defensive end Sai'vion Jones -- were OK. I have concerns about Bryant's speed after he ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, and I had several receivers ranked ahead of him when Denver took him. Jones should help all along the defensive line, and he is disruptive behind the line of scrimmage.