The Denver Broncos were a mess when Sean Payton took over in 2023. The team was coming off its sixth-straight losing season and would go on to ship 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 of Payton’s first year in charge.
Two years on, the Broncos are coming off their first playoff appearance since 2015 and are potentially one good draft away from competing for a Super Bowl. And, according to the latest seven-round Mock Draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, that draft should start with a top receiver prospect and an explosive running back.
20) Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
“The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024, making the playoffs behind Bo Nix. To help him keep improving, they should continue adding to his supporting cast.
“A coordinated, intelligent route runner with impressive body control attacking the ball in the air, Matthew Golden has been the subject of plenty of buzz in recent weeks. He doesn’t have an elite physical trait, but he’s a well-rounded target who should be a strong complementary starting receiver in the NFL.”
Golden turned heads at the NFL Combine with his blistering 40-yard dash (4.29 seconds) but should have already been in the first-round conversation. While some receiver prospects lean on their talent, Golden works back for the ball on comeback routes and takes nothing for granted in contested situations.
51) TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
“As of this writing, the projected starting running back for the Broncos is Jaleel McLaughlin. While they have some good committee pieces in place, they desperately need star power. TreVeyon Henderson’s breakaway speed and three-down value could make him a good starting running back in the league.”
The fact that Denver managed to stay competitive on offense in 2024 is unbelievable when you factor in the team’s struggles on the ground. Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime were all given opportunities to impress, and all failed. The team’s leading rusher, Williams, finished the season with the 37th-most rushing yards in the NFL (42nd when including quarterbacks), with 3.7 yards per carry.
Henderson possesses home-run explosiveness, which helped him to an incredible 7.1 yards per carry in 2024. A consistent contributor in the passing game, Henderson’s three-down skill set would put an end to Denver’s rotation approach in 2025.
85) Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
“With his elite production in 2024 and his tremendous athleticism as a route-runner and as a ball-carrier after the catch, Harold Fannin Jr. has solidified himself as one of the top tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to stretch the field is beyond what most players at his position are capable of doing.”
Denver added the veteran receiving tight end Evan Engram in free agency, but Fannin is too good a value to pass on in the mid-third round. The first tight end in FBS history to lead the nation in both receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555); the Broncos can draft now and figure it out later.
122) Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
There’s nothing too remarkable about Jordan Phillips’ college stats, but his true potential can be seen when he has a barbell in his hands. Phillips’ phenomenal strength, coupled with his wrestling background, make him an intriguing project at the next level.
191) R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
R.J. Mickens’ 2024 numbers highlight his playmaking ability in all areas of the safety position. Seventy-five tackles (44 solo), six tackles for loss, seven passes defended, and two interceptions make him a solid value in Round 6.
197) Joshua Gray, OG, Oregon State
A five-year starter for Oregon State, Joshua Gray moved inside to guard in 2024 and gave up just one sack and one penalty despite the position change. With impressive numbers in the vertical jump, three-cone drill, ten-yard split, and broad jump during pre-draft testing, Gray showcased the lower-body athleticism to match his versatility.
208) Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, North Carolina
Despite his smaller size (6’1″, 254 pounds), Kaimon Rucker was a problem for offensive lines in college. Far from a fifth-year breakout, Rucker’s best season came in 2023. Fifteen tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass defended, and a forced fumble suggest that the North Carolina product has the technique to overcome his size concerns.
