After another underwhelming draft and mounting questions about the franchise’s future, many NFL insiders are wondering if Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett is running out of time in Denver. Though Hackett was given a second chance following last season’s modest improvement, the 2025 NFL Draft may have just set the stage for his final chapter.
Denver’s decision to once again pass on a franchise quarterback, opting instead for defensive back Jahdae Barron in the first round, has left fans and analysts stunned. With persistent struggles at the quarterback position and no clear plan for offensive revitalization, critics are asking whether Hackett has the vision—or the authority—to truly rebuild the team.
“This draft felt like a vote of no-confidence in Hackett’s system,” one AFC executive told a Denver outlet. “There’s no offensive identity, and now, no elite offensive help coming in either.”
Hackett, who took over in 2022 and was nearly fired after a disastrous first season, has faced nonstop pressure to prove his capability as both a play-caller and a leader. While team president Greg Penner and GM George Paton have publicly supported him, sources say expectations behind the scenes are growing more urgent.
The Broncos’ offense has remained near the bottom of the league in key metrics, and with rivals like the Chiefs and Chargers continuing to evolve, Denver’s conservative draft approach is raising eyebrows.
“If this roster underperforms again—especially after missing key opportunities in the draft—Hackett won’t survive the season,” said a former Broncos assistant.
With no marquee quarterback, an unproven offensive line, and a fanbase losing patience, Hackett now faces the ultimate test. And if Denver can’t deliver results in 2025, this draft may be remembered not for who they picked—but for who it pushed out the door.
