Thread: Broncos 2025 NFL Draft Thread: 04/24/25-04/26/25

Traded back to #216 and #241 in the 7th

I didn't realize that Jones was 280. I'm assuming that means he's going to provide depth in that interior pass rusher role behind Allen and JFM, and that does make more sense to me. Still wish they'd just taken Harmon, who could have replaced JFM in the base sooner rather than later, but oh well.

Originally Posted by Skinny

Fvck Pete Carroll.

I agree with the sentiment, but what did he do now? I've been watching hockey.

A lot of people seem kind of bent about this draft, and I haven't figured out why other than the expectation was that Denver would take an offensive weapon in round one, and they took a defensive one instead.

So let's talk about expectations:

Barron: gonna play a large role with the team taking both CB and S reps, pushing McMillan to the bench. Strengthens a defense that was just slightly too thin last year on the back end as we found out in big games with injured players and now is bursting at the seams. I don't think he's a true all-pro CB1 like Surtain, but that supposed weakness turns into a massive strength when he is deployed as a star that can play nickel, safety and support against the run. More a honey badger role, and make sures we're not screwed if something happens to Riley Moss again.

Harvey: there's your thousand yard rusher. This is a deep running back class but not necessarily one filled with a bunch of stars, which I think is confusing some online people. Denver got a short bell cow, IMO, who is more like Maurice Jones-Drew than McLaughlin. As a shorter guy I always have fumble concerns, and pass blocking is never going to be a strength, But from a workload and big play perspective he's your RB1 no question. It's just that Payton doesn't use his bell cow guys like some other coaches. Harvey should be really good here, and I honestly can't wait for people to see him on the field behind our OL that deserves a better RB behind them.

Bryant: again not a WR1, but much like Sutton is very capable as a WR2 who has the size, hands, and route running to do exactly what Payton wants. I'm a big fan of the way he plays football, and I do think he's more like Sutton than Vele, though the floor with Bryant should be pretty high. He's going to play in the league a long time, does all the little things right.

Jones and Que: developmental. Jones has a Malik Jackson type of frame and motor and they are going to be using him more on the line than as a linebacker, although he can definitely play edge in pass rushing situations. I expect him to be a package guy in year one and for them to grow him to replace JFM. Que Robinson is another developmental guy, who moves really well for a big LB but is going to need patience. The Broncos are really good at developing pass rushers, and he has lots of skills in that area while he'll be a special teams contributor immediately.

Denver might not have drafted the names people expected, but the Thorpe Award winner ain't nothin. If you told me Sean drafted Harvey and Bryant I would have said of course because they are classic Payton kind of guys. I do think there were a couple of guys that went ahead of Denver they would have liked, but I'm sure that happens every draft. You can't force the draft board. Denver got guys that will fit their scheme and make them better and will play this year in the first two days, as well as some developmental guys to keep the productivity flowing on defense.

The Broncos added two useful weapons for Bo, and I think people are hung up on consensus pick level rather than fit. Much like drafting a 3-4 linebacker if you play a 4-3 isn't going to beat a ton of immediate fruit, drafting a higher rated talent according to a mysterious consensus who would be worse in a Sean Payton offense is foolish. Draft good players who fit what you do, and have shown that they can contribute at the highest levels of college football. Denver's first three picks of absolutely done that, and are high quality guys who are not going to be me-first on a team.

This also gives Denver's speed weapons in Mims and Franklin some breathing room to show they belong. It is a vote of confidence, not throwing in the towel. For me the Broncos got an incredible piece to turn their defense from very good to great, the best running back in their room who can hit home run plays, and an edge wideout who can play slot and move the chains and make sure the offense stays on the field.

They also got two interesting front 7 developmental pieces to keep applying the pressure up front which is crucial. Is it a perfect draft? I don't know, how many drafts are perfect?

It does feel more like a high floor draft than a high ceiling draft, but they look like contributors at positions of need I Don't think this was necessarily The Plan for the draft, but they still got so much done. Until we see em on the field, I'm not sure what else there is to do.

Thanks G, always good to get your input.

Originally Posted by dogfish

I agree with the sentiment, but what did he do now? I've been watching hockey.

JJ Pegues

Originally Posted by Skinny

JJ Pegues

That basterd!

Great post G. I really like the Jones comparison to Malik Jackson, spot on. That's a big plus for us along the Dline.

Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida (he's an Aussie)

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview
A four-year punter for the Gators, Crawshaw flashes good power from a quick delivery but will need to improve his hang time to keep NFL returners from chopping at his net average. He can be highly effective when he’s protected, with touch punts placing opponents near or inside their own 10-yard line.

Strengths
Better across the board after eliminating rugby punts after 2022.
Improved operation quickness from catch to punt.
Above-average touch and placement on pooch kicks.
Able to generate adequate power from compact delivery.

Weaknesses
Below-average hang time by NFL standards.
Will allow a higher number of returns than teams would like.
Average as a directional punter.

Gotta love the rugby style punter.

PLAYMAKER!!! A++++ pick. Weapon.

The Raiders taking Mellott (and Miller right after) upsets me greatly.

Caleb Lohner, TE, Utah

6'7 249lbs

2024:*Appeared in all 12 games, catching four passes, all of which went for touchdowns, as well as a reception for a two-point conversion.

*In his first college football game ever, snagged a 20-yard touchdown on his first reception vs. Southern Utah.

Pulled in an 11-yard scoring pass at Utah State and also blocked a field goal.

Matched his career-long with a 20-yard TD grab against Arizona.

Made a three-yard touchdown catch at Colorado.

Hauled in a catch for a two-point conversion vs. Iowa State.

Prior to Utah:*Played basketball at Baylor from 2022-23 (69 games) after transferring from BYU (2020-22) where he played in 62 games with 44 starts.

Saw action in all 35 games in 2023-24 at Baylor, averaging 2.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 9.2 minutes.

Also played in 34 games in 2022-23, putting up 3.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 12.3 minutes per game.

Set a Baylor NCAA Tournament record in 2023 after going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field.

Averaged 7.0 points and 6.4 rebounds as a sophomore at BYU, playing in 35 games with 31 starts.

Had 7.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game as a freshman at BYU in 2020-21.

High School:
*Played basketball at Wasatch Academy.Led his team to a 27-2 record.Averaged 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals as a senior.Also averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists as a junior.Played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Flower Mound HS in Texas.

More on Lohner..

Lohner is already an anomaly at his size and weight, but his time in the 40-yard dash turned heads as he ran a whopping 4.60 which in turn intrigued not only scouts but also fans who kept track of the results as a whole.

His time signals some serious open-field potential and could be the best case for him to be used as an every-down tight end who creates matchup nightmares throughout the game instead of exclusively in goal-to-go situations.

I concur, GMoney. You’re always awesome.