Broncos' 2025 Draft Grades: Evaluating Each Pick

 By: Carson Childs

The Denver Broncos wrapped up the 2025 NFL Draft yesterday with seven new additions to their roster. General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton made strategic moves to address key areas, aiming to build on last season's progress. Below will be a breakdown and grade for each and every pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Broncos.

General Manager George Paton(Left) and Head Coach Sean Payton(Right)

Texas Cornerback Jahdae Barron

Round 1, Pick 20: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Grade: A-

Although there was some negative pushback about the Broncos going defense with their first round pick, George Paton decided to go with the best player available at this pick. Barron was hands down the best defensive back in this class, winning the Jim Thorpe award in the 2024 season, awarded to the best overall cornerback in all of college football. Barron brings impressive coverage skills and much needed physicality to the Broncos' secondary.

Towards the end of last season, starting cornerback Riley Moss across from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II was picked on each game. Adding Barron adds security and depth at the cornerback, and it will be interesting to see how Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph decides to use Barron's skillset to the loaded Broncos' defense.

UCF Running Back RJ Harvey

Round 2, Pick 60: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF

Grade: B+

Selecting Jahdae Barron in the first round led to much skepticism on when the Broncos would target the running back of their future, as the projected first round pick for the Broncos in most mock drafts was running back Omarion Hampton, who went to the Los Angeles Chargers following Denver's pick. The Broncos originally held pick 51 in the second round, but ended up trading down twice to acquire additional capital, moving to pick 60.

With that pick the Broncos selected RJ Harvey from UCF. The 5'9 208 back had an extremely productive last two seasons with UCF, posting 3,410 total yards and 42 touchdowns. Although some analysts say Denver reached on Harvey, Sean Payton said in a press conference that he absolutely loved what Harvey could do and sees him fitting perfectly in Denver's offense.

His addition addresses the need for a reliable ground game, especially after the departure of Javonte Williams. Although the biggest quality about Harvey's game is his immense speed, he also has an innate  ability to run between the tackles and make quick jump cuts to gain yardage. There have been comparisons made to the likes of Alvin Kamara and Bucky Irving, so it will be interesting to see how Harvey plays in his first year with Denver.

Illinois Wide Receiver Pat Bryant

Round 3, Pick 74: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

Grade: C+

Bryant, a three-year starter at Illinois, offers versatility as he can play both inside and outside. Known for his jump ball catching abilities, this adds another weapon for Bo Nix moving forward. 

Bryant was projected to go in the fourth or fifth round in most mock drafts, so Denver selecting him in the third round was a bit of a reach with other talented receivers on the board. Denver also has multiple receivers at the position that have jump ball catching abilities like Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele, and newly added tight end Evan Engram, so some analysts were a bit confused with this pick. 

Nonetheless, his ascending production and reliable hands during his time at Illinois make him a promising target for quarterback Bo Nix. Bryant's potential to develop into a key offensive weapon is high, and the expectations for him should be high.

LSU Defensive End, Sai'vion Jones

Round 3, Pick 101: Sai'vion Jones, DE, LSU

Grade: A

The Broncos ended up trading back into the third round, selecting defensive end Sai'vion Jones.

Jones, a defensive end from LSU, fits the NFL mold with his size, toughness, and relentless effort to make plays. His biggest strengths are rushing the passer and blowing up plays in the backfield. With current Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers' contract expiring after the 2025 season, this was a great pick to add depth to the defensive front. 

Jones also has the ability to develop behind DreMont Jones and Malcolm Roach, and can tune his run stopping abilities. Jones' potential to become a consistent contributor to the Broncos defense is promising.

Alabama Linebacker Que Robinson

Round 4, Pick 134: Que Robinson, OLB, Alabama

Grade: B

Robinson, a fifth-year senior from Alabama, has shown glimpses of pro potential despite primarily playing on special teams. During his limited time on defense though, he was efficient posting 19 pressures and three sacks. 

Expect Robinson to have an immediate impact on special teams to start for the Broncos, especially with Denver losing special teams ace Tremon Smith to Houston in the offseason. There is potential for him to turn into a star pass rusher in due time as well.

Florida Punter, Jeremy Crawshaw

Round 6, Pick 216: Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida

Grade: B-

Crawshaw was regarded by multiple franchises as the best punter in the class. With Denver losing starter punter Sam Martin in the offseason, Crawshaw should take over the punting duties for the Broncos. 

During him time at Florida, Crawshaw showcased his immense leg power and hang time with his punts. His ability to flip the field and provide consistent punts will be crucial in tight game situations.

Utah Tight End Caleb Lohner

Round 7, Pick 241: Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah

Grade: D+

Lohner, a tight end from Utah and former college basketball player for Baylor and BYU adds depth to the Broncos' tight end room. Lohner played 4 basketball seasons before making the transition to football. With his minimal pro experience, this pick is a bit of a head scratcher. In his time as with Utah though, he had four catches and four touchdowns. 

The ultimate reason for why Denver made this selection is the upside. The athleticism for Lohner is off the charts, so it will be interesting to see how Sean Payton decides to utilize him.

Baylor Power Forward Caleb Lohner