DENVER — The Denver Broncos’ 2025 NFL Draft was about more than just filling roster spots — it was about finding players who fit the team’s culture, brought versatile skill sets, and shared the hunger to build something special.
From Jahdae Barron’s emotional reaction on draft night to Caleb Lohner’s excitement about switching from basketball to football, Denver’s newest additions aren’t just talented — they’re ready to embrace Broncos Country. Here’s a critical evaluation of every pick, insights from players and coaches, and why this draft could quietly set the tone for the Broncos’ next chapter.
Round 1 (No. 20): CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
Barron, the highest-graded cornerback in college football last year (91.1 PFF coverage grade), brings elite versatility and instincts to Denver’s secondary. Whether it’s man or zone coverage, inside or outside alignments, Barron’s football IQ and positioning make him a true difference-maker.
“I bring a lot of versatility to the defense,” Barron said after being drafted. “I’m going to master my position… I can’t wait to learn from Pat Surtain II.”
Barron’s fit was no accident. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph knows him well, and Sean Payton praised his ability to “play all over the field” and said the Broncos “just couldn’t stop watching” his film.
“He’s just a football player,” GM George Paton added. “Instincts, route awareness, tackling, blitzing — he checks every box.”
Evaluation:
Barron adds immediate value as a potential starting nickel or boundary corner. His character and tape align, and in a pass-happy league, elite corners are a premium. Even if cornerback wasn’t the top need, this is a foundational piece.
Round 2 (No. 60): RB R.J. Harvey, UCF
Harvey is a compact, explosive runner with elite change-of-direction skills and rare contact balance. With 69 missed tackles forced in 2024 and 43 touchdowns over two seasons, he projects as a dynamic weapon in Sean Payton’s offense.
“I can catch, I can run, I can do it all,” Harvey said. “I want to help Denver win and get to the Super Bowl.”
The Broncos compared Harvey’s skillset to Alvin Kamara’s. Payton noted Harvey’s “vision, balance, and home run ability,” and even likened his traits to Darren Sproles.
“He was kind of our pet cat,” Paton said. “We felt he had the best vision in the draft.”
Evaluation:
With Javonte Williams coming off injury, Harvey could carve out a Kamara-like role early — and thrive in the screen game. A seamless schematic fit.
Round 3 (No. 74): WR Pat Bryant, Illinois
Bryant is a tough, physical wideout who had just one drop last season and plays with an edge in the run game. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he’s built for the X receiver role.
“When the ball’s in the air, it’s mine,” Bryant said. “I block, I catch, I do whatever it takes.”
Sean Payton noted that Bryant reminded him of Michael Thomas in traits — not expectations.
“He’s very competitive, very tough,” Payton said. “His size, his hands, his ability in crunch time… He’s just a complete player.”
Evaluation:
Bryant isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable and physical. He’ll be a red-zone asset and immediate rotational option with WR3/WR4 potential.
Round 3 (No. 101): ED Sai’vion Jones, LSU
Long and powerful, Jones (6’6″, 280 lbs) brings a relentless motor and scheme versatility. A former recruit of Broncos DL coach Jamar Cain, Jones impressed at the Senior Bowl and has inside/outside flexibility.
“When you pick me, you’re drafting a couple of players,” Jones said. “I can play across the line.”
Payton called Jones “that lone magnet” they had circled on their board. Paton emphasized his motor and physical traits.
“He fits our mold — long, strong, great leverage. He plays hard every snap,” Paton said.
Evaluation:
Jones is a high-upside rotational edge with a chance to grow into a starter. The LSU connection and scheme familiarity will accelerate his development.
Round 4 (No. 134): ED Quandarrius Robinson, Alabama
Robinson comes with a 90.3 pass-rushing grade and proven production in the SEC. He’s battled back from injury and brings core special teams value.
“Just being able to help this team win — that’s what I’m here for,” Robinson said. “Defense, special teams, whatever they need.”
His versatility and hunger stood out.
“It’s been stressful,” he admitted. “Seeing my mom cry when I got the call — I’ll never forget that.”
Evaluation:
Robinson might be the most underrated pick in Denver’s class. He can contribute Day 1 on special teams and rotationally as an edge rusher.
Round 6 (No. 216): P Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida
Crawshaw averaged 45.8 yards per punt with 27 punts pinned inside the 20. A former Australian Rules football player, his transition to American football has been smooth.
“I love holding. I love kicking. I just love the whole process,” Crawshaw said. “And yeah — altitude helps.”
He brings NFL-ready traits and personality.
“I’m newly married. I’m a newlywed punter in Denver. Let’s go,” he said with a grin.
Evaluation:
Specialists rarely get draft grades, but Crawshaw’s upside — and relationship with ST coordinator Darren Rizzi — make this a smart pick.
Round 7 (No. 241): TE Caleb Lohner, Utah
Lohner, a former Baylor basketball standout turned Utah tight end, is the kind of project Payton has succeeded with before.
“I couldn’t stop smiling,” Lohner said. “I know I’m raw, but I’m ready to learn.”
He caught only five passes last season — but four were touchdowns. Payton and the staff see his size, vertical ability, and red-zone potential.
“I want to be a part of the game every day and develop,” he said.
Evaluation:
Lohner is a long-term red-zone weapon with upside. As a late-round flier, he fits Payton’s past success with former hoopers-turned-tight ends (see: Jimmy Graham).
UDFA Tracker
Signings
- WR Courtney Jackson, Arkansas State
- WR Jerjuan Newton, Toledo
- WR Joaquin Davis, North Carolina Central
- C Joe Michalski, Oklahoma State
- G Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
- T Marques Cox, Kentucky
- T Xavier Truss, Georgia
- DI Christian Dowell, Tennessee-Martin
- DI Kristian Williams, Missouri
- EDGE Johnny Walker Jr., Missouri
- LB JB Brown, Kansas
- LB Karene Reid, Utah
- CB Jaden Robinson, Oregon State
- CB Joshua Pickett, Duke
- CB Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M
Minicamp Invites
- QB Blake Stenstrom, Princeton
- OL Gabe Clark, Central Missouri
- G Cameron Cooper, Lindenwood
- G Kolby Borders, Miami (OH)
- DI Shane Cokes, Colorado
- CB Chris Chukwuneke, James Madison
- K John Hoyland, Wyoming
Final Grade: B
Denver’s draft wasn’t flashy — it was focused. With premium positions (CB, ED, RB) addressed early and culture fits across the board, the Broncos are reinforcing key position groups while adding developmental upside. Jahdae Barron and R.J. Harvey could start early, while players like Jones and Bryant are built to grow into major contributors.
The only knock? No interior offensive linemen or true DTs, which remain depth concerns. But the Broncos clearly trusted their board and took calculated swings where value aligned with need.
Sean Payton and George Paton crafted a class with flexibility, toughness, and humility — traits Broncos Country will appreciate. Each draftee brings a different story, but a shared determination. Whether it’s Jahdae Barron soaking in the moment or Quandarrius Robinson fighting back from injury, this group reflects the values Denver is betting on as it builds toward a new era.
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