Future Broncos: Key Prospects to Watch in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos’ 2024 season has wrapped up, but the team’s journey toward improving its roster for the future is just beginning. Over the next few months, Denver will turn its attention to bolstering the team through free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. As part of this process, the Broncos will be looking for talent that can strengthen their core and set them up for success in the coming years.
One of the most exciting opportunities for scouting future talent comes with the 2025 NFL Draft, which will include many top prospects playing in the College Football National Championship Game on Monday night. As the Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, NFL scouts and fans alike will be tuning in to see which players have the skills and potential to make an impact at the next level.
Although some of these prospects have already been mentioned in previous discussions, it’s worth revisiting their potential and what they can bring to the Broncos as they look to build for the future. Let’s take a deeper dive into several key players to watch during the championship game and what they could bring to Denver’s roster in the 2025 season.
Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame
Safety is an area where the Broncos are expected to make moves this offseason. While Brandon Jones had a solid performance in 2024, there are concerns about P.J. Locke’s consistency, and the team may look to add competition and depth at the position. One standout name in this year’s draft is Xavier Watts, the safety from Notre Dame who is widely regarded as one of the best in his class.
Watts, who returned for his senior season in 2024, had an impressive campaign, recording 46 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. His ball-hawking skills, along with his ability to read the game and anticipate plays, make him a coveted prospect. Watts’ 13 interceptions over the past two years are a testament to his playmaking ability, and his performance in the National Championship Game will be crucial in showcasing his skills against top-tier competition.
With a high football IQ and excellent instincts, Watts has the potential to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL. Given his impressive track record, there’s a strong possibility he will be one of the top defensive backs off the board in the 2025 draft, potentially even as a first-round pick. His performance on the big stage against Ohio State will certainly turn heads, and if he is available when Denver picks, he could be an excellent addition to their secondary.
Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Another area of need for the Broncos is strengthening their receiving corps, particularly alongside their quarterback. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka is one of the top wide receivers in this draft class and could provide the Broncos with the complementary option they need to improve their passing game. After a standout senior season in which he caught 75 passes for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns, Egbuka proved himself as one of the most reliable and versatile receivers in college football.
Egbuka excels at creating separation against man coverage and is especially dangerous over the middle of the field. While he may not be the primary target in an offense, he has the potential to be a top-tier No. 2 receiver, offering excellent route running and toughness. His ability to block and contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a valuable asset for any team. Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who values toughness and physicality in his receivers, could see Egbuka as a perfect fit for Denver.
With the Broncos in need of weapons for quarterback Bo Nix and a playmaker who can contribute in a variety of ways, Egbuka would be a smart selection, possibly in the first round. If he’s available when Denver picks, he should be high on their draft board.
Tyleik Williams, Defensive Line, Ohio State
While the Broncos’ defensive line showed improvement in 2024, their Wild Card playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in the run defense. With nose tackle D.J. Jones entering free agency, the team will likely need to consider bolstering their defensive front. Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams, a dominant force on the defensive line, could be an excellent option to fill that role.
At 6’3” and 330 pounds, Williams is a powerful presence in the trenches. He’s an outstanding run defender and has shown the ability to take on blockers and free up teammates to make plays. Despite a slight dip in sack production in 2024 (2.5 sacks), his overall impact on games cannot be overstated. Williams is a physical, pro-ready player who could make an immediate impact in the NFL. His combination of size, strength, and technique makes him a first-round talent, and he would be an excellent pick for the Broncos if they look to strengthen their defensive line.
TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, Running Backs
The Broncos are expected to upgrade their running back position in the offseason, and the 2025 NFL Draft offers several intriguing options. Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, both of whom have been standout players in college, could offer different but complementary skill sets for Denver.
Henderson, at 5’10” and 208 pounds, is an explosive, versatile playmaker who excels in both the running and passing game. With over 1,200 total yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, Henderson’s speed and ability to make big plays are evident. He could be used in a similar role to Alvin Kamara, with a skill set that allows him to contribute in all phases of the game. His only question mark is durability, but when healthy, he has the potential to be a three-down back.
Judkins, standing at 6’0” and 219 pounds, is a more physical back with excellent contact balance. He may not have the breakaway speed of Henderson, but he is a tough, downhill runner who consistently gains yards after contact. With over 1,100 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024, Judkins could provide the Broncos with a power-back option to complement their offense.
Both Henderson and Judkins could be selected in the second round of the 2025 draft, and the Broncos may need to move up slightly to ensure they get one of them. Both players have the potential to make an immediate impact on Denver’s backfield, which is a position that will need to be addressed in the coming months.
Other Notable Prospects
In addition to the players already mentioned, there are several other notable prospects to keep an eye on as the National Championship Game unfolds. These players may not be on the Broncos’ immediate radar, but they could still provide valuable depth or be available later in the draft. These include:
Jordan Clark, CB – Notre Dame
Jack Kiser, LB – Notre Dame
Riley Leonard, QB – Notre Dame
Mitchell Evans, TE – Notre Dame
Donovan Jackson, OL – Ohio State
Denzel Burke, CB – Ohio State
Jack Sawyer, DE – Ohio State
JT Tuimoloau, DE – Ohio State
As the Broncos continue to build their roster for the future, these players and others in the National Championship Game will certainly be among those who catch the eye of their scouting department. Whether the focus is on the defensive line, wide receiver, or running back position, the upcoming draft presents a golden opportunity to add talent that will shape the franchise for years to come. The National Championship Game could provide a preview of the next wave of stars that will make their mark in the NFL, and the Broncos will be watching closely.
