The Denver Broncos have been featured in various mock drafts this season, with most of them consistently projecting the team to select a big offensive playmaker with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round.
Gennaro Filice from NFL.com released his first mock for the 2025 offseason, and it has the Broncos making a bold move to trade up to No. 13 in the first round. Many expected the Broncos to target Penn State tight end Tyler Warren or perhaps Ashton Jeanty, but Filice surprises by having them select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland instead.
Loveland is often mocked to the Broncos at No. 20, but trading up that far to take him, especially ahead of Warren, raises some questions. Filice explained the reasoning:
“Sean Payton, no stranger to trading up in Round 1, makes a bold move for a tight end—though maybe not the one you’d expect. The Broncos coach has been vocal about needing a ‘joker’ in his offense, but what kind of joker does he want? Tyler Warren, who is widely considered the top tight end, is a more traditional option with strong blocking and playmaking. Loveland, on the other hand, offers more of a modern pass-catching threat, running receiver routes in a tight end’s body. Payton could favor that style, recalling how former basketball player Jimmy Graham thrived in New Orleans.”
While there’s some merit to this perspective, it’s worth noting that Loveland, though talented, isn’t the same caliber prospect as Warren. Payton’s desire for a “joker” is more in line with what Warren brings—versatility as a pass catcher, Wildcat runner, and even passer, which makes him a unique weapon in the offense. In comparison, Loveland lacks that level of versatility.
Moreover, Jeanty is taken at No. 12 in this mock, meaning that when the Broncos trade up to No. 13, Warren is still available. Drafting Loveland over Warren would likely face heavy criticism.
One crucial point Filice doesn’t address is the cost of the Broncos moving up to No. 13. While it’s only a seven-slot jump, it likely wouldn’t come cheaply. The Broncos may also be able to land Loveland at No. 20, making it questionable to give up additional picks to take him earlier, especially when he’s not considered a better prospect than Warren. It could be seen as a poor decision by the Denver front office.
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