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In a strategic move during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have once again traded back, this time dealing their 57th overall pick in the second round and their 230th overall pick in the seventh round to the Detroit Lions.
In return, the Broncos acquired the 60th overall selection in the second round and a valuable 130th overall pick in the fourth round. The move reflects Denver’s emphasis on accumulating draft capital while still targeting players they believe can contribute immediately or in the near future.
This is not the first time the Broncos have traded down in this draft. Earlier in the second round, they traded back from the 51st pick, clearly showing a front office that is confident in its scouting process and willing to let the board come to them.
With several needs across their roster, particularly at running back, offensive line, and defensive depth, Denver is opting to maximize the number of bites at the apple rather than zeroing in on a single target. From Detroit’s perspective, the trade was all about going up and getting their guy. That guy turned out to be Georgia guard Tate Ratledge, a standout from the SEC who brings an impressive college resume and physical profile to the NFL.
Ratledge is 6-foot-7, 308 pounds, and has been a staple on Georgia’s offensive line over the past few seasons. In 2024, he earned First Team All-American honors and was a key component of one of the nation’s top offenses.
With only one sack allowed over 685 pass-blocking snaps in the past two years, his tape speaks for itself. Detroit’s offensive line has been a strength in recent years, but with questions surrounding veterans like Graham Glasgow and the need for long-term solutions, this move ensures they have elite talent competing for starting spots.
Ratledge adds depth and competition, and could even start right away depending on how training camp shakes out. The Lions may have lost a bit of value according to some draft trade charts, but General Manager Brad Holmes has repeatedly stressed that fit and player evaluation outweigh numeric models when making decisions.
Back in Denver, the Broncos used their new 60th overall pick to select running back RJ Harvey from UCF. Harvey is an intriguing prospect, especially considering he had no prior experience at running back before joining UCF. Over his collegiate career, he blossomed into a dynamic and productive player, finishing with 3,792 rushing yards, a 6.5-yard average, and 43 touchdowns.
In 2024 alone, he posted 1,577 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground, along with 267 receiving yards and 3 scores through the air. Harvey is known for his quickness, burst, and the ability to make defenders miss in space. His 54 runs of 10+ yards in 2024 demonstrate his big-play capability, and his versatility as a pass catcher gives Denver a new dimension in the backfield.
While he needs improvement in pass protection, the Broncos are betting on his upside and explosive traits as they continue to revamp their offense under head coach Sean Payton. By trading down just three spots and moving up a full 100 slots from the seventh round to the fourth, the Broncos have significantly improved their flexibility on Day 3 of the draft.
The 130th overall pick gives them another chance to land a player who could potentially compete for a roster spot or serve as developmental depth. It’s a subtle but meaningful shift in draft capital that could pay dividends in the long run. In the end, both teams walk away from this trade having addressed key needs.
The Broncos added a dynamic offensive weapon and a valuable fourth-round pick, while the Lions ensured they landed a top-tier interior lineman.
It’s a win-win built on different philosophies—aggression versus accumulation—and the results will unfold on the field in the seasons to come.
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