Major 2025 NFL Draft Buzz: Ian Rapoport Hints at Denver Broncos Potentially Moving Up in Next Year’s Draft
Speculation is once again swirling in the NFL world, and this time it’s centered around the Denver Broncos. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Broncos may be preparing to make a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft — and all signs point to a potential trade-up scenario.
Rapoport, speaking on a national broadcast earlier this week, hinted that Denver’s front office has already begun internal discussions about targeting a higher draft position next April. While no concrete deal is currently in place, sources suggest the team is actively evaluating its trade assets and exploring how far it would need to climb in the draft order to secure a franchise-altering prospect — most likely a quarterback.
“There’s a lot of chatter behind the scenes,” Rapoport reported. “Don’t be surprised if the Broncos are one of the more aggressive teams heading into the 2025 Draft. They’ve been scouting heavily and are eyeing players who won’t be available unless they make a move up the board.”
The Broncos finished the 2024 season with a middling record and plenty of question marks, especially at quarterback. While head coach Sean Payton has remained publicly supportive of the current roster, it’s no secret that Denver has struggled to find long-term stability at the position since Peyton Manning’s retirement. Trading up in the draft could be the organization’s latest effort to finally lock in a franchise signal-caller.
Recent history shows that Denver isn’t shy when it comes to bold draft-day moves. Just last year, they shuffled picks to acquire more depth on defense and offensive line, and with cap flexibility and a few tradable assets — including veterans on expiring deals — the Broncos have the ammunition to move up, should the opportunity arise.
If they do trade up, it’s widely believed they’ll be targeting one of the elite quarterback prospects projected to headline the 2025 class. Names like Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders have already generated buzz, and if any of them declare early, Denver will likely be in the mix.
“There’s a growing belief in league circles that Payton wants his guy — a QB he can groom and build around long-term,” said a league executive who spoke on condition of anonymity. “To do that, they may have to trade into the top five.”
Of course, any such move will depend on how the 2025 draft order shakes out — and whether teams holding high picks are willing to part with them. But Denver’s aggressive posture, according to Rapoport, is worth monitoring closely as the offseason unfolds.
Broncos fans, who have endured a carousel of quarterbacks and inconsistent play in recent seasons, appear energized by the possibility of a bold move. Social media lit up after Rapoport’s report aired, with fans sharing mock drafts and speculating on which quarterback could finally lead the franchise back to playoff contention.
