Denver Broncos consensus 2025 NFL Draft Grades: What do the experts think?

The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone and now, the immediate evaluation of all of the picks made has begun. 

The Denver Broncos took an approach this year that no one seemed to see coming, at least not those who conducted mock drafts predicting what the team would do. Instead, George Paton and Sean Payton identified the players that they wanted and selected them regardless of public opinion. 

How did that strategy pay off in the eyes of those who analyze these picks for a living? Here is a look at some of the expert grades for the Broncos' draft class. 

Denver Broncos 2025 NFL Draft Class

Denver Broncos 2025 NFL Draft Expert Grades

Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN: B-

"A year ago, I was concerned the Broncos had too many roster questions to reach for a QB in the first round. I thought they might seek a Day 1 trade down to stockpile picks while navigating the Russell Wilson dead-money salary cap fiasco. Well, fast-forward 12 months. 

Bo Nix threw 29 touchdown passes as a rookie after coach Sean Payton made him the sixth QB off the board at No. 12 last April, and the Broncos had arguably the league's best defense and offensive line in 2024.

So, the draft objectives changed a little bit in 2025. Denver is suddenly shaping a contender, as it tries to challenge the Chiefs for the AFC West and return to the playoffs for a second straight year. Running back -- a non-premium position -- is listed as my No. 1 need for this team. I really thought the Broncos might take Omarion Hampton when he was still there at No. 20. Instead, they got a super versatile defensive back in Jahdae Barron. He had five interceptions last season and answered speed questions with an exclamation point at the combine, running a 4.39. Good luck throwing on Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss and Barron this season.

The running back play came on Day 2, but it wasn't the splashy move I was looking for at the position. RJ Harvey was my RB9, and Denver took him when Kaleb Johnson, Dylan Sampson and others were still available. Javonte Williams didn't move the needle much last season as the team's top rusher (513 yards), and he signed in Dallas. The Broncos really needed a dominant three-down back. Harvey is more likely to help in spurts, especially if Payton can get him in space. Perhaps Harvey serves as his "joker," the multidimensional offensive playmaker whom he likes in his offenses (think Alvin Kamara in New Orleans).

The third-round picks -- receiver Pat Bryant and defensive end Sai'vion Jones-- were OK. I have concerns about Bryant's speed after he ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, and I had several receivers ranked ahead of him when Denver took him. Jones should help all along the defensive line, and he is disruptive behind the line of scrimmage."

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Rob Rang, Fox Sports: C+

"Given that I projected the Broncos to select a running back at No. 20 in virtually every mock draft I wrote this offseason, I can't say that I foresaw their pick of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron. That admission aside, I love the addition. It takes a special breed of confidence to play opposite a superstar like Patrick Surtain Jr., and Barron has that — a critical element given the passing attacks of the AFC West. 

Like Barron, running back RJ Harvey offers a résumé few can touch, though he came off the board earlier than I expected. I felt the same about former Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant, though both play with the instincts and physicality well-suited for Sean Payton's scheme, as does LSU power edge rusher Sai'vion Jones, a player whose best football still lies ahead of him."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: B-

"Best Pick: Third-round edge Sai'vion Jones has a chance to be a nice rotational player on their defense. He has the twitch they love from their outside rushers. 

Worst Pick: I like second-round running back R.J. Harvey, but I thought it was a little high for him. He isn't great in pass protection, which is something that has to improve in this offense. He does have big-play ability. 

The Skinny: Taking corner Jahdae Barron in the first gives them another nice player on the back end. Harvey can rip off big plays, but he went too high by my book. I know Sean Payton sees him as Alvin Kamara-like. I like Jones in the third, and third-round receiver Pat Bryant can play."

Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: B

"Many expected the Broncos would upgrade their offense in the first round, but Denver decided to continue building its top-tier defense with Barron, a slot corner who will form a tremendous trio with Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss. The Broncos instead found their weaponry on Day 2, landing Harvey and Bryant. Harvey should be the lead back in Denver as a rookie, while Bryant can work in alongside second-year receivers Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin to play next to Courtland Sutton."

Bleacher Report Scouting Department: B

"Plenty of folks probably expected the Denver Broncos to target an offensive player on opening night who could help support second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Instead, the Broncos made an equally smart move by adding to their playoff-caliber defense.

Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron may immediately form part of the league's top cornerback duo alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.

Barron, the 12th-ranked prospect on the final B/R board, brought tremendous value at No. 20, even if he'll simply bolster a team strength.

Denver added a complementary receiving back in UCF's RJ Harvey after trading back in the second round.

More defensive help came in the middle rounds, along with a big-bodied receiver in Pat Bryant (6'2", 208 lbs). He should complement pass-catchers Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Evan Engram in Sean Payton's passing attack.

Sai'vion Jones and Quandarrius Robinson should provide depth along an already talented defensive front.

Denver didn't take a wide receiver early and didn't add a big-name running back like Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton to its offense, so its draft class might fly under the radar. It's a solid group, though, that should help keep the Broncos in the AFC West mix."

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