The Denver Broncos had over half as many trades (4) as they did actual draft picks (7). Even so, the Broncos 2025 draft class featured a pick in every round except for the fifth and ended up getting four picks in the first two days. That extra front end talent led to much better overall grades than many other teams despite some hotly debated picks in later rounds.
We already know the fans loved our first round pick from our FanDuel Sportsbook sponsored SB Nation reacts survey. 76% of us loved the pick of Jahdae Barron and I am sure those of us who voted it down a bit likely came around to the pick once we had a chance to sleep on it.
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However, the draft is a long seven round grind and the Broncos methods and picks were a bit unorthodox. That has led to some wide range of opinions on their draft class in 2025, but mostly we saw them end up somewhere in the solid B range on the final draft grades. Here’s what the national media has had to say about it.
NFL.com
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: C+
Day 3 grade: BThe Broncos found great value in Barron, who can play wherever he’s needed in the secondary. They met needs at running back, receiver and on the defensive line on Day 2, though Harvey and Bryant were not my most highly rated available players at their positions.
Robinson had a hard time earning defensive snaps for much of his career at Alabama, but he will play special teams and could develop into a designated pass rusher. The departure of Riley Dixon pushed the Broncos to select Crawford, a strong-legged kicker. Lohner’s a former BYU and Baylor basketball player. He’s a project worthy of a seventh-round investment.
CBS Sports
Denver Broncos: B
Roller-coaster draft from the Broncos in my estimation. I didn’t love the Barron selection in Round 1 — yes I’m in the vast minority there. In Round 2, the Harvey pick was sensational because of his acceleration and pass-game abilities for Sean Payton and Bo Nix. Bryant is a high-floor outside weapon — although I do think there were better receiver options on the board at the time.
The duo of Jones and Robinson will bolster the pass rush because of their athletic traits. Jones is massive. Robinson was a low-volume player at Alabama and flashed in a big way around the corner.
USA Today
11. Denver Broncos (B+)
They got a “joker” … on defense. DB Jahdae Barron might turn out to be a steal with the 20th pick and could elevate an already formidable D to the elite tier. Second-round RB RJ Harvey will give the ground game needed horsepower, though it remains to be seen who primarily shares the load since he wouldn’t seem well suited at his size (5-8, 205) to take 20 touches a game in the NFL. Third-round WR Pat Bryant has a chance to chip in early.
Pro Football Focus
Denver Broncos: B
1 (20): CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Barron — Denver opts to build upon a strength, pairing one of the best cornerbacks in college football, Barron, with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II. The versatile coverage defender — the highest-graded cornerback in college football last season (91.1) with at least 400 coverage snaps — is a natural zone defender with incredible instincts and can slot in at any position in the secondary.2 (60): RB R.J. Harvey, UCF
Harvey — Head coach Sean Payton gets his Alvin Kamara in Harvey. The dynamic back shows incredible contact balance and forced 69 missed tackles as a runner in 2024. With elite change-of-direction ability and a great first step, Harvey earned a PFF grade of 82.3 or better in three straight seasons while racking up 43 touchdowns over the past two years.3 (74): WR Pat Bryant, Illinois
Bryant — Bryant is a big receiver at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He lacks the top-tier athletic qualities to be a Day 1 outside option, but he possesses a strong build, good hands and reliable blocking to make him a rotational X wideout. Bryant’s 84.5 receiving grade ranked 24th at the position in 2024.3 (101): ED Sai’vion Jones, LSU
Jones — Jones, a natural fit in odd fronts, will provide the Broncos’ defense with length and a relentless motor. Although he lacks refinement as a pass rusher, his 15.1% pass-rush win rate could very well earn him a rotational spot at several spots as he further develops.4 (134): ED Quandarrius Robinson, Alabama
Robinson — Robinson is an effective pass rusher and represents good value in the fourth round for the Broncos. He earned an elite 90.3 PFF pass-rushing grade in 2024.6 (216): P Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida
Crawshaw — Crawshaw placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2024 but will need to improve his average hang time of 4.21 seconds at the NFL level. He averaged 45.8 yards per punt last season.7 (241): TE Caleb Lohner, Utah
Lohner — Lohner played just 43 receiving snaps in 2024 and caught only five passes — but four went for touchdowns, including three contested catches. A dual-sport athlete who also played basketball, Lohner gives Sean Payton a Jimmy Graham-style tight end for the red zone.
Sports Illustrated
Denver Broncos: B
Analysis: Many expected the Broncos would upgrade their offense in the first round, but Denver decided to continue building its top-tier defense with Barron, a slot corner who will form a tremendous trio with Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss. The Broncos instead found their weaponry on Day 2, landing Harvey and Bryant. Harvey should be the lead back in Denver as a rookie, while Bryant can work in alongside second-year receivers Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin to play next to Courtland Sutton. —MV
The Score
Grade: A-
Barron was a great value pick at No. 20. Most had Denver looking at playmakers, but a potential top-10 talent is too good to pass up that late. Barron’s playmaking skills and versatility should make him an excellent addition to an already strong secondary. Plus, the Broncos got a really fun pair of playmakers on Day 2. Harvey is an explosive back who’s always making defenders miss. Bryant flew under the radar due to his average speed, but his route-running, ball skills, and run-after-catch ability should still make him a productive pro. Jones could also emerge as a key piece of the pass-rush rotation with some more development. Could this be the second straight draft class that pushes the Broncos to another level?
NY Post
Grade: B-
Analysis: Barron is an example of the NFL’s newest craving: the do-it-all slot back. Harvey’s production is eye-popping — 458 carries and 42 touchdowns over the last two seasons — but is that too much tread on the tires? Bryant was a reach because of below-average speed.
Associated Press
DENVER BRONCOS: B+
CB Jahdae Barron (20) was ranked in the top 15 on several draft boards. He’s versatile enough to play inside, outside and even safety. RB R.J. Harvey (60) could flourish in Sean Payton’s offense.
