Denver Broncos Should Consider Homegrown Talent in the Draft
As the NFL free agency period and the draft approach, the Denver Broncos are laser-focused on building a competitive roster around rookie quarterback Bo Nix. While many top draft prospects come from powerhouse programs, the Broncos don’t need to look far to find quality talent. Three standout players from Colorado’s own college programs could provide key value in the later rounds of the draft.
Tory Horton | WR | Colorado State
Horton, a dynamic wide receiver from Colorado State, has been one of the most productive pass-catchers in college football. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he amassed 167 receptions for 2,267 yards and 18 touchdowns, including two punt return scores. His consistency earned him first-team All-Mountain West honors both years.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Horton has the versatility to line up as an X-receiver or stretch the field as a Z. His experience as a return specialist adds another dimension to his game, making him an intriguing late-round option for Denver.
Unfortunately, a season-ending knee injury in 2024 cut his campaign short, but former CSU head coach Jay Norvell remains confident in Horton’s NFL future.
“His injury is season-ending, but he will fully recover and have his chance at the next level with the National Football League,” Norvell told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
Draft Projection: Round 4
Will Sheppard | WR | Colorado
Sheppard, a 6-foot-2 playmaker, brings a physical presence to the wide receiver position. His ability to high-point the ball and excel in contested-catch situations makes him an ideal red-zone threat.
Though he played just one season at Colorado, Sheppard posted 48 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns. While those numbers may not be eye-popping, his highlight-reel plays—including a diving 47-yard touchdown against UCF and a one-handed fade touchdown against Arizona—showcase his big-play ability.
With similarities to current Broncos wideout Courtland Sutton, Sheppard could be a long-term replacement. Sutton, entering the final year of his contract, could command up to $25 million per year—an amount that may be too steep for Denver’s cap situation.
Draft Projection: Round 3
Jimmy Horn Jr. | WR | Colorado
Horn has been one of the fastest risers in the pre-draft process, wowing scouts with his game-breaking speed. During Shrine Bowl practices, he consistently created separation and displayed strong ball skills, making him a difficult matchup for defenders in man coverage.
ESPN draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid recently named Horn as one of the top “rising prospects” coming out of the Shrine Bowl, further boosting his draft stock. His ability to stretch defenses and contribute on special teams makes him an attractive option for Denver’s offense.
Draft Projection: Round 5 (and rising)
Final Thoughts
While none of these local prospects are projected first-round picks, each brings a unique skill set that could benefit the Broncos. Horton offers reliability and versatility, Sheppard provides a big-bodied target, and Horn brings electrifying speed. With Denver looking to build around Bo Nix, adding playmakers from their own backyard could be a smart move as they reshape their roster for the future.
