Building a Contender: Roster keys going into Chiefs week and 2026’s biggest draft risers

The Denver Broncos are going into a massive test — so this week on the DNVR Draft Podcast, we’re breaking down what “Building a Contender” really looks like from a roster and NFL Draft standpoint heading into Chiefs week. We start with the latest college football risers — including Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Dante Moore, and Garrett Nussmeier — and debate which QBs could headline the 2026 NFL Draft class. Then, we dive into the latest mock drafts, where Arvell Reese is going No. 1 overall and Mendoza lands in Cleveland. We also highlight breakout stars like Kenyon Sadiq, David Bailey, Chris Bell, and Chris Brazell II, and how they could fit what the Broncos need most. Later, the guys discuss whether Denver could actually target a linebacker in Round 1, or if offensive needs are too great to ignore. Plus, with CB depth in this class looking elite, how tempting would it be to add another lockdown defender? Finish strong with a look at this weekend’s college slate and what to watch for as the NFL Draft picture keeps evolving. 0:00 - Intro1:00 - Welcome In4:00 - Broncos Needs18:40 - Risers38:22 - Week 12 Picks    📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter #broncos #denverbroncos #seanpayton #nfl An ALLCITY Network Production PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports  Christy Sports: Get 20% off your season rentals when you book online at http://christysports.com/learn/rental-help/dnvrseasonrental.html and use code DNVR20. Must book season rentals online to get the discount. Book by 11/23. Outside is better with expert service and advice in every store. Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places! Monarch Money: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarchmoney.com/dnvr bet365: Go to https://www.bet365.com/hub/en-us/app-hero-banner-1?utm_source=affiliate&utm_campaign=usapp&utm_medium=affiliate&affiliate=365_03485318 or use code DNVR365 when you sign up. Must be 21+ and physically located in CO.  Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER Coors Light:  Delivery on Instacart at https://coorslight.com/DNVR. Celebrate Responsibly. Coors Brewing Company, Golden, Colorado. Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people. Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at https://hellofresh.com/freebroncos. Applied across 7 boxes, new subscribers only, varies by plan. When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.