Denver Broncos may add a linebacker in second round of mock draft

A mock draft projects the Broncos will use their No. 62 pick to add Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., noting limited experienced depth behind current starters and that Denver gave up earlier picks in the Jaylen Waddle trade.

The Broncos enter the 2026 NFL Draft with one pick in the top 100 and a mostly complete roster. General manager George Paton said the team narrowed its focus to six players for that selection. Denver traded away its earlier picks in March to acquire Jaylen Waddle, leaving the No. 62 choice on day two as the club's first selection. The mock draft discussed here argues the team could use that pick to add a developmental linebacker. Draft context and linebacker need: - The Broncos' first pick is No. 62 on the draft's second day after the Jaylen Waddle trade removed earlier selections. - George Paton said the team has had success finding contributors with later picks and feels good about its draft position. - Denver has extended Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, but there is no guaranteed money on their contracts beyond 2027 and little experienced depth behind them; reserves listed have a combined four career starts. - The mock projects Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. as a target. Hill was a five-star recruit, a freshman All-American, wore the green dot at Texas, and finished recent seasons with 12 sacks, 23.5 tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles. - The article frames Hill as a developmental succession plan who could learn behind veteran starters and potentially be ready for a larger role by 2027. - The piece also outlines other mid- and late-round possibilities the Broncos discussed, including offensive line, tight end, defensive tackle, running back and edge prospects. Summary: Adding a linebacker in the second round would be presented as a developmental move to reinforce depth and plan for the future while the roster remains largely intact. The Broncos hold the No. 62 pick on the draft's second day this week; the club's exact selection and longer-term impact are undetermined at this time.