Spring practice for high school football teams across Florida opens Monday, starting with workouts in shorts, T-shirts and helmets for the first two days.

Players can don upper pads Wednesday of next week. Full pads are not allowed until the following Monday, May 5.

Spring games begin May 14. Key games to look forward to by date are:

May 15: Dr. Phillips at Winter Park; Orlando First Academy at Lake Mary.

May 16: Mount Dora at Rockledge; South Lake at South Sumter.

May 17: Evans at Lakeland jamboree.

May 23: Edgewater and Kissimmee Osceola at Windermere High jamboree;  Apopka at Jones; and DeLand at Lake Brantley.

Three area teams will be looking to get back to state championship games in Miami. Lake Mary, Osceola and Jones all fell short as runners-up in December.

Jones went unbeaten before falling in the Class 4A final to Plantation American Heritage 40-31. Lake Mary lost to Venice 52-19 in the 7A championship, and Osceola fell to West Boca Raton 26-7 in the 6A title game.

Both Jones and Lake Mary return highly-touted quarterbacks. Dereon Coleman of Jones is the No. 1-ranked player in the Sentinel’s 2026 Central Florida Super60 prospect list. Lake Mary’s Noah Grubbs is ranked No. 2. Jones also has stellar receiver Larry Miles returning, and he is ranked No. 3 on the list.

The lone team to finish the season undefeated was Windermere, which played in the first ever Metro Conference Independent Division and went 10-0 under head coach Ricki Smith. Independent teams did not play in district games and were ineligible for the playoffs. This year will be the second phase of the two-year experimental independent division. Orange County Public Schools will decide whether to stick with the arrangement after the 2025 season.

2025 spring football games schedule

May 14

Poinciana at Tohopekaliga, 6:30

May 15

Dr. Phillips at Winter Park, 7:30

Faith Christian at Lake Highland Prep, 6

TFA Orlando at Lake Mary, 7

Hagerty at Melbourne, 7

Oviedo at Ocoee, 6:30

Victory Christian at Orlando Christian Prep, 7

Orangewood Christian, Windermere Prep, Bronson at Trinity Prep jamboree, 6

Masters Academy at Out of Door Academy, 7

May 16

Boone at Lake Nona, 6:30

Central Florida Christian, Deltona Trinity Christian at Cornerstone jamboree, 6:30

Harmony at East Ridge, 6

Weeki Wachee at Eustis, 7:30

Gateway at Oak Ridge, 6

Tavares, Timber Creek at Lake Howell jamboree, 7

Olympia at Lake Minneola, 7

Leesburg, Viera at St. Cloud jamboree, 6

Mount Dora at Rockledge, 7

Oakleaf at West Orange, 7

Bartram Trail at Seminole, 7

South Lake at South Sumter, 7:30

Tenoroc, Mulberry at Liberty Spring jamboree, 7

May 17

Evans, Tampa Jesuit, Lake Gibson, Bartow, Spruce Creek at Lakeland jamboree, 1

Foundation at Seffner Christian, 5

May 19

TFA Leesburg at Real Life Christian, 4

May 21

Winter Springs at East River, 6:30

Lyman at Wekiva, 7

May 22

Edgewater, Osceola at Windermere jamboree, 6

Horizon at Lake Buena Vista, 7

Belleview at Mount Dora Christian, 6:30

Discovery at Umatilla, 7

May 23

Apopka at Jones, 7

Flagler Palm Coast at Bishop Moore, 7

Haines City at Celebration, 7

Colonial at Freedom, 7

Innovation, Halifax Academy at Deltona jamboree, 6

DeLand at Lake Brantley, 7

Pine Ridge at Matanzas, 7

Orange City University, Seabreeze at Crescent City jamboree, 6

No Spring Game: Cypress Creek, Legacy Charter, Orlando University, West Oaks.

Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.

In an emergency court filing, Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill’s wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill, claims he has never been alone with nor cared for their four-month-old daughter.

Despite this, she says he demanded to take their child from their shared home — a little over a week after police rushed to their Sunny Isles condo during one of his “violent, abusive” fits that led her to promptly filing for divorce, she says.

In last Tuesday’s filing, Lakeeta requested exclusive use of their marital home, a 3-bedroom, 3,555-square-foot condo in the Porsche Design Building at 18555 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles.

Read more at Miami Herald.

Snowmass Mountain resort will undergo $80 million in improvements this summer including a new lift in Elk Camp, a transformation of popular midmountain restaurant and upgraded snowmaking.

The Elk Camp quad will be replaced by a high-speed six-person chairlift that will reduce wait times during ski season and increase mountain-bike haul capacity to the Snowmass Bike Park in the summer. In addition, a platter pull-style transport that has served the above-timberline terrain of The Cirque, which tops out at 12,530 feet, will be replaced by a T-bar, doubling its capacity and reducing ride time.

“The areas of terrain served by these lifts are some of the most popular on our mountain,” said Susan Cross, Snowmass mountain manager, in a news release. “These updates allow for guests to more smoothly access Snowmass’ classic wide-open slopes and sweeping vistas at Elk Camp, and the incredible variety of high-alpine terrain we have off The Cirque.”

The 56-year-old Ullrhof midmountain restaurant, located at the base of the Big Burn lift, will be dismantled and rebuilt. The new facility will double the capacity of the building to 500 seats. It is slated to open for the 2026-27 season.

Snowmass has more lifts and is larger than the other three Aspen-area ski mountains — Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk — put together. The Aspen Skiing Company is owned by the Crown family of Chicago, which was ranked 34th on the 2024 Forbes list of America’s richest families. It also is part owner of Denver-based Alterra Mountain Company, which owns Arapahoe Basin and Steamboat. and nine other resorts in five U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. Alterra also operates Winter Park, which is owned by the city and county of Denver.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.

NFL draft week is here.

Every NFL team has done its due diligence to evaluate prospects — here’s a look at potential fits for the Broncos’ in-house visits. So now the countdown to Thursday is down to just one day.

What will the Broncos do with the 20th pick? A running back? A defensive lineman? How about trading up?

Broncos positions outlook

Offense: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive line
Defense: Defensive line | Edge | Inside linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties

Here’s a look at who national draftniks think will land in Denver:

ESPN | Staff | Updated April 22

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

“In this scenario, players such as Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori would get long looks. And while running back is a big need, the Broncos feel like they can get a good one on Day 2. So, even though they’ve selected three WRs in the previous two drafts and are poised to sign Courtland Sutton to an extension, Burden is the pick. His toughness, versatility and dynamic ability after the catch make him a smooth, immediate fix in an offense that needs a little more pop around QB Bo Nix,” Jeff Legwold writes. See the full mock draft.

The Ringer | Diante Lee | Updated April 21

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

“Omarion Hampton has been a popular player mocked to the Broncos, but I’ve been imagining some alternatives — and now I can’t see anyone other than Burden in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. Burden has speed, a smooth route-running ability, and the good hands necessary to produce whether he’s lined up in the slot or out wide, and he can handle a high volume of targets.” See the full mock draft.

For The Win | Christian D’Andrea | Updated April 22

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

“If Golden is here at No. 20, expect the Broncos to run up to the podium to grab him. Egbuka, however, is a pretty significant consolation prize. The latest prolific Buckeye wideout is more solid than spectacular, but he’s a reliable route runner who creates space and adjusts to the ball like an NFL veteran.” See the full mock draft.

The Athletic | Dane Brugler | Updated April 21

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

“The Broncos were a year ahead of schedule last season and have a chance to push for the AFC West this season, especially if they can add a productive weapon such as Hampton. With his blend of patience, power and speed, the former Tar Heels back would help elevate Sean Payton’s offense.” See the full mock draft.

More picks:

• Round 2, 51st overall pick: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
• Round 3, 85th overall pick: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
• Round 4, 122nd overall pick: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
• Round 6, 191st overall pick: Drew Kendall, C, Boston College
• Round 6, 197st overall pick: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
• Round 6, 208th overall pick: Marcus Harris, CB, California

CBS Sports | Bryan DeArdo | Updated April 22

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

“Denver gets its premier RB to help take the load off of second-year QB Bo Nix. Hampton enjoyed a prolific college career that included leading the ACC in rushing each of the past two years. He also rushed for 30 touchdowns over that span.” See the full mock draft.

ESPN | Jordan Reid | Updated April 21

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

“Setting up infrastructure to maximize quarterback Bo Nix’s production needs to be the main priority for Broncos coach Sean Payton. Evan Engram helps at tight end, but a three-down back would unlock another dimension of this offense. Hampton is capable of handling multiple duties as a rusher. His 3,164 rushing yards over the past two seasons trailed only Ashton Jeanty (3,948). He’s also an underrated receiver, with 67 catches over that same span. In an offense that requires a versatile running back, Hampton could take a lot of pressure off Nix.” See the full mock draft.

More picks:

• Round 2, 51st overall pick: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
• Round 3, 85th overall pick: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
• Round 4, 122nd overall pick: Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas
• Round 6, 191st overall pick: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
• Round 6, 197st overall pick: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
• Round 6, 208th overall pick: Tyler Baron, Edge, Miami

NFL.com | Bucky Brooks | Updated April 22

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

“Sean Payton wants a feature back with big-play potential in the rotation. Henderson’s speed and explosiveness could give the Super Bowl-winning coach Alvin Kamara vibes when he’s contemplating how to utilize the Ohio State standout.” See the full mock draft.

CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated April 16

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

“Yes, a running back in the first round. It works here for a few reasons beyond’s Jeanty’s massive talent. Sean Payton would work him into space in the screen game, the Broncos have a strong offensive line, and Bo Nix needs a true bell cow in his offense.” See the full mock draft.

CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated April 21

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

“I know the Broncos signed Evan Engram, and that RB Omarion Hampton is a popular choice here. But 1) there’s room for Loveland and Engram in the TE room, and 2) this RB class is so deep that Denver can find one later in the draft.” See the full mock draft.

The Ringer | Danny Heifetz | Updated April 22

Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

“In Denver’s wild-card loss to Buffalo, the time-of-possession split was 42 minutes for Buffalo and 18 minutes for Denver. The Broncos will focus on running the ball and stopping the run this offseason. Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton openly talked last month about needing a rookie running back, but with Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton gone, Denver can fortify its defensive line.” See the full mock draft.

The Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated April 21

Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

“The Broncos can try to get their version of Micah Parsons, but there’s also plenty of Saints star leader Demario Davis there for Sean Payton and Vance Joseph.” See the full mock draft.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

NFL draft week is here.

Every NFL team has done its due diligence to evaluate prospects — here’s a look at potential fits for the Broncos’ in-house visits. So now the countdown to Thursday is down to just one day.

What will the Broncos do with the 20th pick? A running back? A defensive lineman? How about trading up?

Broncos positions outlook

Offense: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive line
Defense: Defensive line | Edge | Inside linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties

Here’s a look at who national draftniks think will land in Denver:

ESPN | Staff | Updated April 22

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

“In this scenario, players such as Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori would get long looks. And while running back is a big need, the Broncos feel like they can get a good one on Day 2. So, even though they’ve selected three WRs in the previous two drafts and are poised to sign Courtland Sutton to an extension, Burden is the pick. His toughness, versatility and dynamic ability after the catch make him a smooth, immediate fix in an offense that needs a little more pop around QB Bo Nix,” Jeff Legwold writes. See the full mock draft.

The Ringer | Diante Lee | Updated April 21

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

“Omarion Hampton has been a popular player mocked to the Broncos, but I’ve been imagining some alternatives — and now I can’t see anyone other than Burden in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. Burden has speed, a smooth route-running ability, and the good hands necessary to produce whether he’s lined up in the slot or out wide, and he can handle a high volume of targets.” See the full mock draft.

For The Win | Christian D’Andrea | Updated April 22

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

“If Golden is here at No. 20, expect the Broncos to run up to the podium to grab him. Egbuka, however, is a pretty significant consolation prize. The latest prolific Buckeye wideout is more solid than spectacular, but he’s a reliable route runner who creates space and adjusts to the ball like an NFL veteran.” See the full mock draft.

The Athletic | Dane Brugler | Updated April 21

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

“The Broncos were a year ahead of schedule last season and have a chance to push for the AFC West this season, especially if they can add a productive weapon such as Hampton. With his blend of patience, power and speed, the former Tar Heels back would help elevate Sean Payton’s offense.” See the full mock draft.

More picks:

• Round 2, 51st overall pick: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
• Round 3, 85th overall pick: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
• Round 4, 122nd overall pick: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
• Round 6, 191st overall pick: Drew Kendall, C, Boston College
• Round 6, 197st overall pick: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami
• Round 6, 208th overall pick: Marcus Harris, CB, California

CBS Sports | Bryan DeArdo | Updated April 22

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

“Denver gets its premier RB to help take the load off of second-year QB Bo Nix. Hampton enjoyed a prolific college career that included leading the ACC in rushing each of the past two years. He also rushed for 30 touchdowns over that span.” See the full mock draft.

ESPN | Jordan Reid | Updated April 21

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

“Setting up infrastructure to maximize quarterback Bo Nix’s production needs to be the main priority for Broncos coach Sean Payton. Evan Engram helps at tight end, but a three-down back would unlock another dimension of this offense. Hampton is capable of handling multiple duties as a rusher. His 3,164 rushing yards over the past two seasons trailed only Ashton Jeanty (3,948). He’s also an underrated receiver, with 67 catches over that same span. In an offense that requires a versatile running back, Hampton could take a lot of pressure off Nix.” See the full mock draft.

More picks:

• Round 2, 51st overall pick: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
• Round 3, 85th overall pick: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
• Round 4, 122nd overall pick: Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas
• Round 6, 191st overall pick: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
• Round 6, 197st overall pick: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
• Round 6, 208th overall pick: Tyler Baron, Edge, Miami

NFL.com | Bucky Brooks | Updated April 22

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

“Sean Payton wants a feature back with big-play potential in the rotation. Henderson’s speed and explosiveness could give the Super Bowl-winning coach Alvin Kamara vibes when he’s contemplating how to utilize the Ohio State standout.” See the full mock draft.

CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated April 16

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

“Yes, a running back in the first round. It works here for a few reasons beyond’s Jeanty’s massive talent. Sean Payton would work him into space in the screen game, the Broncos have a strong offensive line, and Bo Nix needs a true bell cow in his offense.” See the full mock draft.

CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated April 21

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

“I know the Broncos signed Evan Engram, and that RB Omarion Hampton is a popular choice here. But 1) there’s room for Loveland and Engram in the TE room, and 2) this RB class is so deep that Denver can find one later in the draft.” See the full mock draft.

The Ringer | Danny Heifetz | Updated April 22

Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

“In Denver’s wild-card loss to Buffalo, the time-of-possession split was 42 minutes for Buffalo and 18 minutes for Denver. The Broncos will focus on running the ball and stopping the run this offseason. Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton openly talked last month about needing a rookie running back, but with Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton gone, Denver can fortify its defensive line.” See the full mock draft.

The Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated April 21

Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

“The Broncos can try to get their version of Micah Parsons, but there’s also plenty of Saints star leader Demario Davis there for Sean Payton and Vance Joseph.” See the full mock draft.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

NFL draft date and times

TV: ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network, NFL+

Round 1: Thursday, 6 p.m. MT

Rounds 2-3: Friday, 5 p.m. MT

Rounds 4-7: Saturday, 10 a.m. MT

Broncos draft picks

(Click here to view chart in mobile.)

Draft needs

Running back: Duh. You’ve heard about this here for about two months straight. But let’s take stock, beyond the flurry of discourse around which back Denver should take and when: The Broncos’ running back room, at the moment, returns just 902 yards from a group that was already among the most mediocre in the league in 2024. Javonte Williams is gone to the Cowboys, meaning at least 200 touches are available, and Denver didn’t get a back in free agency. The question: Do they want a three-down bell-cow, or a complement to a room returning Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin? Both options will be available to Denver in a deep class.

Wide receiver: At every turn, head coach Sean Payton has praised the development of a young receiver corps. But he also made clear at last Thursday’s pre-draft presser that the Broncos would “add numbers” at WR before training camp, whether via the draft or free agency. Here’s betting it’s the draft. Denver’s done diligence on receivers at virtually every draft slot, whether it be first-round options or late-round sleepers. Perhaps the Broncos, too, could look for insurance for veteran Courtland Sutton, who’s on the final year of his deal.

Tight end: Let’s just check off all the skill positions here, since Denver has their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix and is now tasked with surrounding him with as much help as possible. The Broncos signed Evan Engram in free agency to be Sean Payton’s “Joker” matchup-problem, but general manager George Paton also remarked at the annual owner’s meetings that he didn’t think the search was “ever over” for a Joker-type. Engram is a unique tight end, and Denver could use a complement who’s skilled as both a blocker and receiver. Time for Joker Two, maybe. But not Joker: Folie a Deux. Do not see that movie.

Defensive line/edge: The Broncos return virtually every important piece from a dominant front that led the NFL in sacks in 2024, so this isn’t as much a short-term need as a long-term vision. Paton and Payton will have some tough decisions to make soon on virtually this entire group, as Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Malcom Roach, Nik Bonitto and Dondrea Tillman are all due for contract extensions. There’s no possible way they re-up with all, and this draft is loaded with solid, B+ type prospects on both the interior and edge.

Offensive line: Same situation as the Broncos’ defensive line. Denver’s had incredible continuity on its front for a couple of years, and virtually their entire starting and depth units will return this fall. This could be the last stand for this exact group as we know it, though. Guard Ben Powers has a contract out for 2025, right tackle Mike McGlinchey has an out for 2026, and stalwart left tackle Garett Bolles is getting up there at 33 years old. It’s not a massive priority, but Denver would be wise to stock a couple of depth pieces for contingency.

Potential Day One targets

RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State: Consensus second-ranked RB Omarion Hampton might well be on the board here, but a majority of the Broncos’ fanbase has already talked itself into Henderson because he just…makes sense for Sean Payton. Shifty in space? Check. Outside threat? Check. Stupid athleticism? Check. Pass-catching upside? Check. Pass-blocking upside? Check. Thrives in a committee? Check. If he’s Payton’s guy and the Broncos have a high enough grade on him, they’ll swing at No. 20.

TE Colston Loveland, Michigan: Some folks have Loveland even higher on their board than likely top-12 pick Tyler Warren. But if he’s around at No. 20, Loveland might make the Broncos think. He’s a 6-foot-6 matchup problem who plays like a receiver. Having two of those guys in Loveland and Engram would be a nightmare. Only question with Loveland: Is he solid enough as a blocker to play him consistently next to Engram?

DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss: There’s enough top-heavy defensive-line talent and mid-round skill-position talent that the Broncos could opt for an interior body on Day 1 and then fill out weaponry around Bo Nix in later rounds. If they choose that route, Nolen’s a great fit at No. 20. He’s got NFL-ready size, proven production on the interior with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024, and was one of 20 prospects The Denver Post confirmed had an in-house visit with the Broncos.

Possible Day Two targets

RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee: Let’s say the Broncos don’t take a first-round back. Sampson might be their next-best option. He’s got well-praised vision, with the ability to bounce outside or work between the tackles, and profiles fairly ready to step into legitimate NFL snaps. The size (5-foot-8, 200 pounds) is the only question.

WR Luther Burden, Missouri: If Burden falls, don’t rule out Payton making a move up from No. 51 to nab him. He’s got 4.41 speed, is a natural playmaker and would be a neat fit in the Broncos’ receiver room.

TE Mason Taylor, LSU: Another potential trade-up candidate, or a prospect who could fall right into Payton’s lap at 51. The 6-foot-5 Taylor carries one of the best combinations of blocking and receiving upside among all tight ends in this draft, and would be a natural candidate to eat up snaps next to Engram.

Possible Day Three/UDFA targets

TE Gunnar Helm, Texas: Like Taylor, Helm has one of the best combinations of blocking and pass-catching among any tight end in this draft, and he can be had for a mere third or fourth-round pick. He spent three years primarily as a blocker at Texas before breaking out as a pass-catcher in 2024 with 786 yards. Plus, he’s a local product and Cherry Creek High alumnus.

S Kitan Crawford, Nevada: Denver could use a piece or two in their secondary, and there’s a lot of ties to Crawford after the Broncos brought him in on an in-house visit. Crawford could slide with just one year of proven college production under his belt, but he’s one of the more athletic safeties in the draft, running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with a 41.5-inch vertical at the NFL combine.

WR Hal Presley, Baylor: Presley might be a preferred free-agent target, but the Broncos have done plenty of homework on him. The stats hardly stand out, at 31 catches for 429 yards in 2024, but the 6-foot-3 Presley is an active blocker who could latch on in Payton’s system.

What will Broncos do at pick No. 20? The Post’s staff predictions

Luca Evans, Broncos reporter: Denver will swing big, set the world on fire and…draft a defensive lineman. No, this isn’t particularly sexy. Maybe it’s Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen, or Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, or Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, but the Broncos can reasonably wait until the second, third and fourth rounds to add an impact-level back and tight end and grab some top-tier contingency for their defensive line in the meantime.

Parker Gabriel, Broncos reporter: There are several players and positions that make sense here, but here’s the thought that wins out in my mind: Listen to Payton and Paton talk about what they’re looking for at running back. Then watch Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson. Glove-like fit. Really good player. Position of need. Weapon Payton knows exactly how to use. Nice pair to Audric Estime. It all works.

Troy Renck, columnist: Sean Payton doesn’t do boring. Or timid. He knows how close the Broncos are to becoming a bona fide threat in the AFC. After focusing primarily on defense in free agency, Payton will beef up around Bo Nix. The pick is in, and it’s North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.

Sean Keeler, columnist: The Broncos needed a franchise QB last year, and didn’t mess around. Now they need to land their franchise QB a three-down hammer he can hand off to. Assuming the money tight ends are long gone, that means it’s either TreVeyon Henderson or Omarion Hampton at tailback, and away we go. If not? Buckle up, buttercup.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: This draft is loaded with talented running backs and tight ends. So why splurge in the first round when the bargain bin will be filled with value on Day 2 or 3? Smart teams go after talent in the first round — regardless of need. Payton and Paton will do the same thing here when South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori falls into their laps.

Broncos’ 2024 picks under Sean Payton

Broncos’ 2023 picks under Sean Payton

(Click here to view charts in mobile.)

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.

NFL draft date and times

TV: ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network, NFL+

Round 1: Thursday, 6 p.m. MT

Rounds 2-3: Friday, 5 p.m. MT

Rounds 4-7: Saturday, 10 a.m. MT

Broncos draft picks

(Click here to view chart in mobile.)

Draft needs

Running back: Duh. You’ve heard about this here for about two months straight. But let’s take stock, beyond the flurry of discourse around which back Denver should take and when: The Broncos’ running back room, at the moment, returns just 902 yards from a group that was already among the most mediocre in the league in 2024. Javonte Williams is gone to the Cowboys, meaning at least 200 touches are available, and Denver didn’t get a back in free agency. The question: Do they want a three-down bell-cow, or a complement to a room returning Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin? Both options will be available to Denver in a deep class.

Wide receiver: At every turn, head coach Sean Payton has praised the development of a young receiver corps. But he also made clear at last Thursday’s pre-draft presser that the Broncos would “add numbers” at WR before training camp, whether via the draft or free agency. Here’s betting it’s the draft. Denver’s done diligence on receivers at virtually every draft slot, whether it be first-round options or late-round sleepers. Perhaps the Broncos, too, could look for insurance for veteran Courtland Sutton, who’s on the final year of his deal.

Tight end: Let’s just check off all the skill positions here, since Denver has their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix and is now tasked with surrounding him with as much help as possible. The Broncos signed Evan Engram in free agency to be Sean Payton’s “Joker” matchup-problem, but general manager George Paton also remarked at the annual owner’s meetings that he didn’t think the search was “ever over” for a Joker-type. Engram is a unique tight end, and Denver could use a complement who’s skilled as both a blocker and receiver. Time for Joker Two, maybe. But not Joker: Folie a Deux. Do not see that movie.

Defensive line/edge: The Broncos return virtually every important piece from a dominant front that led the NFL in sacks in 2024, so this isn’t as much a short-term need as a long-term vision. Paton and Payton will have some tough decisions to make soon on virtually this entire group, as Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Malcom Roach, Nik Bonitto and Dondrea Tillman are all due for contract extensions. There’s no possible way they re-up with all, and this draft is loaded with solid, B+ type prospects on both the interior and edge.

Offensive line: Same situation as the Broncos’ defensive line. Denver’s had incredible continuity on its front for a couple of years, and virtually their entire starting and depth units will return this fall. This could be the last stand for this exact group as we know it, though. Guard Ben Powers has a contract out for 2025, right tackle Mike McGlinchey has an out for 2026, and stalwart left tackle Garett Bolles is getting up there at 33 years old. It’s not a massive priority, but Denver would be wise to stock a couple of depth pieces for contingency.

Potential Day One targets

RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State: Consensus second-ranked RB Omarion Hampton might well be on the board here, but a majority of the Broncos’ fanbase has already talked itself into Henderson because he just…makes sense for Sean Payton. Shifty in space? Check. Outside threat? Check. Stupid athleticism? Check. Pass-catching upside? Check. Pass-blocking upside? Check. Thrives in a committee? Check. If he’s Payton’s guy and the Broncos have a high enough grade on him, they’ll swing at No. 20.

TE Colston Loveland, Michigan: Some folks have Loveland even higher on their board than likely top-12 pick Tyler Warren. But if he’s around at No. 20, Loveland might make the Broncos think. He’s a 6-foot-6 matchup problem who plays like a receiver. Having two of those guys in Loveland and Engram would be a nightmare. Only question with Loveland: Is he solid enough as a blocker to play him consistently next to Engram?

DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss: There’s enough top-heavy defensive-line talent and mid-round skill-position talent that the Broncos could opt for an interior body on Day 1 and then fill out weaponry around Bo Nix in later rounds. If they choose that route, Nolen’s a great fit at No. 20. He’s got NFL-ready size, proven production on the interior with 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024, and was one of 20 prospects The Denver Post confirmed had an in-house visit with the Broncos.

Possible Day Two targets

RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee: Let’s say the Broncos don’t take a first-round back. Sampson might be their next-best option. He’s got well-praised vision, with the ability to bounce outside or work between the tackles, and profiles fairly ready to step into legitimate NFL snaps. The size (5-foot-8, 200 pounds) is the only question.

WR Luther Burden, Missouri: If Burden falls, don’t rule out Payton making a move up from No. 51 to nab him. He’s got 4.41 speed, is a natural playmaker and would be a neat fit in the Broncos’ receiver room.

TE Mason Taylor, LSU: Another potential trade-up candidate, or a prospect who could fall right into Payton’s lap at 51. The 6-foot-5 Taylor carries one of the best combinations of blocking and receiving upside among all tight ends in this draft, and would be a natural candidate to eat up snaps next to Engram.

Possible Day Three/UDFA targets

TE Gunnar Helm, Texas: Like Taylor, Helm has one of the best combinations of blocking and pass-catching among any tight end in this draft, and he can be had for a mere third or fourth-round pick. He spent three years primarily as a blocker at Texas before breaking out as a pass-catcher in 2024 with 786 yards. Plus, he’s a local product and Cherry Creek High alumnus.

S Kitan Crawford, Nevada: Denver could use a piece or two in their secondary, and there’s a lot of ties to Crawford after the Broncos brought him in on an in-house visit. Crawford could slide with just one year of proven college production under his belt, but he’s one of the more athletic safeties in the draft, running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with a 41.5-inch vertical at the NFL combine.

WR Hal Presley, Baylor: Presley might be a preferred free-agent target, but the Broncos have done plenty of homework on him. The stats hardly stand out, at 31 catches for 429 yards in 2024, but the 6-foot-3 Presley is an active blocker who could latch on in Payton’s system.

What will Broncos do at pick No. 20? The Post’s staff predictions

Luca Evans, Broncos reporter: Denver will swing big, set the world on fire and…draft a defensive lineman. No, this isn’t particularly sexy. Maybe it’s Ole Miss’s Walter Nolen, or Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, or Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, but the Broncos can reasonably wait until the second, third and fourth rounds to add an impact-level back and tight end and grab some top-tier contingency for their defensive line in the meantime.

Parker Gabriel, Broncos reporter: There are several players and positions that make sense here, but here’s the thought that wins out in my mind: Listen to Payton and Paton talk about what they’re looking for at running back. Then watch Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson. Glove-like fit. Really good player. Position of need. Weapon Payton knows exactly how to use. Nice pair to Audric Estime. It all works.

Troy Renck, columnist: Sean Payton doesn’t do boring. Or timid. He knows how close the Broncos are to becoming a bona fide threat in the AFC. After focusing primarily on defense in free agency, Payton will beef up around Bo Nix. The pick is in, and it’s North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.

Sean Keeler, columnist: The Broncos needed a franchise QB last year, and didn’t mess around. Now they need to land their franchise QB a three-down hammer he can hand off to. Assuming the money tight ends are long gone, that means it’s either TreVeyon Henderson or Omarion Hampton at tailback, and away we go. If not? Buckle up, buttercup.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: This draft is loaded with talented running backs and tight ends. So why splurge in the first round when the bargain bin will be filled with value on Day 2 or 3? Smart teams go after talent in the first round — regardless of need. Payton and Paton will do the same thing here when South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori falls into their laps.

Broncos’ 2024 picks under Sean Payton

Broncos’ 2023 picks under Sean Payton

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