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Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on during the NFL 2025 game between Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 05, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton have become one of the top contenders in the AFC over the last couple of years.

Payton, who took over as the team’s head coach back in the 2023, has led the Broncos to a 32-19 record in three seasons. Last year, he led the team all the way to the AFC Championship Game before coming up short against the New England Patriots.

With a strong offseason, Denver feels that it has a good chance to win the AFC next season.

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Broncos have a chance to get better. They are not far off from a Super Bowl run. The right picks could help push them there.

Keeping that in mind, Payton has spoken out and dropped a potential hint about his team’s draft plans.

Sean Payton Reveals Hint About Broncos’ NFL Draft Plans

Denver has a talented all-around roster. There are some needs that could be addressed, but most importantly for the Broncos will be adding top-tier talent.

That is a sentiment Payton agrees with. He spoke out and stated that he prefers to have a “best player available” approach.

“Then [we] begin to look at, ‘Where is the best way to address this must? In the draft or in free agency?’” Payton said.

“And look, we never get to live in a perfect world, but you’d always love to be drafting the best player. Sometimes — there are a lot of times where that can happen.”

While Denver hasn’t made a lot of big moves, the team did take one huge swing. The Broncos pulled off an aggressive trade with the Miami Dolphins for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Now, they simply need to add talent across the roster.

What Needs Does Denver Have Entering the Draft?

After trading their first-round pick to acquire Waddle, the Broncos will not be on the clock until the No. 62 overall pick in the second round. They also do not have a third-round pick.

ESPN has weighed in with what they believe are Denver’s biggest needs entering the draft. They have tight end, linebacker, and defensive line as the top three holes.

In addition to sharing the Broncos’ biggest needs, ESPN shared what they think the team should do with its first pick in the second round. They believe the tight end position would be the wisest target.

“Tight end. Perhaps not the starter, given coach Sean Payton’s comments about liking the group with Evan Engram (50 catches last season) and Adam Trautman returning, but Denver certainly needs more impact. The Broncos’ tight ends combined for three touchdowns last season, and none of them averaged more than 9.8 yards per reception.”

Only time will tell what Denver chooses to do in the 2026 NFL Draft. At the end of the day, Payton simply wants to exit the draft with the best new talent possible.