Report: Broncos Targeted Colston Loveland in Attempted Draft Trade-Up
Despite head coach Sean Payton’s claims that the 2025 NFL Draft was more suited for staying put or trading down, new information suggests the Denver Broncos explored trading up. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the team was actively calling other franchises in hopes of moving up the draft board.
While speculation initially pointed toward Denver targeting running back Ashton Jeanty or wide receiver Matthew Golden, it now appears those assumptions were off the mark. Rapoport revealed that the team halted its trade-up efforts the moment the Chicago Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick.
This revelation adds weight to pre-draft predictions from analysts such as Daniel Jeremiah, who also believed the Broncos might pursue Loveland. Although Denver had signed tight end Evan Engram earlier in free agency—leading many to rule out that position early in the draft—it now seems that was a misdirection.
There were also late rumors surrounding Loveland’s shoulder health, possibly circulated to encourage a draft slide. Regardless, the Bears saw enough value to select him early, even though he wasn’t the unanimous top tight end. His versatility and in-line experience gave him an edge over others like Penn State’s Tyler Warren.
The Broncos’ strong interest in Loveland raises intriguing questions about how far they were willing to go for him. If they had succeeded in trading up, it would have significantly altered their draft capital and perhaps stirred even more debate among an already divided fanbase.
