The Denver Broncos make a classic contender move in Trevor Sikkema’s latest 2026 PFF mock draft from the very bottom of Round 1. Owning the league’s best record at 11-2 in this projection, Denver uses the No. 32 pick on Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen, a physical, old-school middle linebacker for a defense already loaded with talent.
PFF highlights Allen as a true MIKE with an elite 91.0 run-defense grade this season. Linebacker, along with tight end and offensive tackle, is listed as a potential need for Denver going into this draft. Instead of chasing another offensive toy, Sikkema’s mock suggests the Broncos would rather plug one of the few remaining holes in their defensive front seven.
For a team already sitting atop the league in this scenario, a pick like Allen is less about chasing star power and more about tightening the screws on a roster built to win now.
Why C.J. Allen Fits the Broncos’ Defense
Allen’s profile screams “tone-setter” in the middle. His run-defense grade reflects not just tackling ability but the instincts to diagnose plays, slip blocks and meet backs in the hole. For a Broncos defense that is already strong on the edges, adding that kind of presence between the tackles can turn good run defense into great.
In coverage, Allen projects as a player who can handle zone drops, match up with backs underneath and serve as the quarterback of the defense, getting teammates aligned and handling checks. Even if he isn’t an every-down matchup piece against top tight ends right away, his communication and physicality should earn him early snaps in base and early-down packages.
Denver’s defensive front has been a strength, but modern offenses force linebackers into space again and again. Allen’s combination of physicality and range would give the Broncos a better answer against the power run games they’ll see late in the year, as well as the spread looks that test pursuit and angles.
The move could become important after Denver’s recent waiving of Garret Wallow. The LB from TCU had been a major special teams contributor, but became a roster casualty after the Broncos elevated Marcedes Lewis to the active roster.
That, combined with starter Alex Singleton becoming a free agent this offseason according to SpoTrac, means the Broncos may be especially thin at the position next season if they don’t make a move. Injuries to Drew Sanders and Karene Reid this season will also add a layer of intrigue to adding depth at linebacker.
What It Means for the Broncos’ Contender Window
The biggest takeaway from this mock for Denver might be what the pick is not. The Broncos don’t force a flashy receiver. Instead, with an 11-2 record and a championship-level roster in this projection, they use the No. 32 pick to clean up an area that could hurt them in January.
Linebacker isn’t always viewed as a premium first-round position, but Sikkema notes that this 2026 class is unusually strong at the spot. If the Broncos see Allen as one of the true difference-makers in that group, grabbing him at the back of the first round makes sense — especially when the rest of the defense is already stocked with impact talent.
Denver would still have the rest of the draft and free agency to address tight end depth, tackle competition and any offensive tweaks. But if this mock scenario plays out and C.J. Allen becomes the pick at No. 32, it would be another sign that the Broncos are operating firmly in “win-now” mode, willing to spend premium capital on a player who can help them close games out, protect leads and keep the middle of their defense secure for years to come.
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