The 2025 NFL Draft gives each team and their fanbase added hope entering a new campaign. While Kansas City gave Chiefs fans a lot to cheer about from their own draft haul, the entire AFC West had selections that stood out. Today, we will focus on the Denver Broncos individually. Denver made waves last season, reaching the playoffs with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. All of that excitement came despite the dead-cap hit that the Broncos were dealing with after moving on from Russell Wilson.
What is a major storyline from the Broncos' 2025 NFL Draft haul? Plus, how did they possibly add to one of their team strengths? Let's dive into the main takeaway from Denver's selections.
Jahdae Barron solidifies one of league's best secondaries
Jahdae Barron was one of the best defensive backs available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Having experience at outside corner, as the slot, and even at safety, the usage options with him are off the charts. Barron is also just as comfortable in man coverage as he is in zone coverage. With his ball skills and aggressiveness in coverage, Barron can create frustration for both pass catchers and opposing quarterbacks.
The Broncos already had an impressive secondary. Pat Surtain II has been a shutdown cornerback for a couple of years now. He had the ball production show up in major moments with pass breakups and interceptions last year. As a result, Surtain II took home NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors last season.
The addition of Talanoa Hufanga in this year's free agency is also intriguing. He can wear many hats when playing the ball or in run support. Finally, pieces like Brandon Jones, Riley Moss, P.J. Locke, and Ja'Quan McMillian offer better depth than most secondaries.
Sai'Vion Jones adds perfect complement to already deep Denver pass rush
If you look at the Broncos' pass rush, it is easy to see why they led the NFL in sacks last year. Plenty of Denver's pass rushers are long, physical, and dense pieces to have to contend with. It is a unit that creates many moments of confusion for blockers. Some of those players with size can explode off the ball quicker than you would expect. Additionally, they have a lot of players who can excel with multiple pass rush counter moves.
Sai'Vion Jones is that exact type of player coming out of LSU. His explosive first step at the snap stood out routinely during his college career. Meanwhile, his density and length match what the Broncos already have with Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Jonathon Cooper.
Broncos defense remains one of stingiest for AFC West offenses to face
AFC West games are going to continue to be brutal battles in 2025. Arguably, every team has improved in some way this offseason. But for the Denver Broncos, the 2025 NFL Draft helped them add to an already dangerous team strength on defense. They could easily have the best defense in the NFL this upcoming year.
Barron will allow Denver to create multiple different looks with their secondary. And the deeper the secondary is, the more time their physical pass rush will have to attack opposing passers. Jones can pick up potentially easy pressures with all of the other options that teams are setting protections for.
In the end, the Broncos were already a challenging defense to score consistently on. But with these two draft selections, Denver is able to lean on being more physical and tenacious to shut offenses down.