Bo Nix and the Broncos Are Hungry After That Playoff Loss, and Day 2 of the Draft Is Coming

The Denver Broncos are about to hit the clock on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the mood in their war room is clear: last season's difficult postseason exit left a mark. Peyton Manning, speaking ahead of the "Night of Champions" event that reunited the 2015 Super Bowl 50 legends, made it plain that QB Bo Nix and the Broncos are ready to use that sting as fuel. "It makes you hungrier," Manning said about channeling motivation from that tough playoff loss to respond in 2026.

What Manning Sees in This Year's Broncos

The Hall of Famer wasn't just nostalgic at Wednesday night's event at Paramount Theatre. He zeroed in on how Sean Payton and George Paton have built this roster with a specific type of player. "Sean and George have drafted and signed guys that are unselfish, that are team-oriented," Manning said. "That's the way you've got to have it to win." That philosophy is about to be tested again as Denver makes picks over the three-day draft event in Pittsburgh.

Seven Picks Ready to Go

The Broncos currently hold seven picks during the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts have been flowing in since the Jaylen Waddle trade, giving Denver plenty of options on the board. With a team that just dealt with playoff disappointment, Payton and Paton will be looking to add pieces that fit their unselfish, team-oriented blueprint. Manning made it clear that's the formula that works: building depth, culture, and the right mindset. Day 2 is where that strategy gets put into action.

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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.