Broncos Trade Picks for Henley
National analysts grade the defensive move that sent two future draft selections to Los Angeles.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
Denver Broncos fans gained a veteran linebacker just before the trade window closed, while their future draft board lost two selections. The team acquired Daiyan Henley from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. This move directly impacts the franchise's ability to retain future assets while addressing immediate defensive gaps.
Henley entered the league via the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. Over 56 games, he has recorded 317 tackles, five sacks, and four interceptions. The 26-year-old is currently in the final year of his rookie contract. He has started 41 of those games and has allowed only two touchdowns in coverage during that span.
The transaction occurred days before the NFL trade deadline. Multiple sources told The Denver Post that the deal was finalized just prior to the cutoff. The Broncos already field a strong defensive core. Alex Singleton leads all linebackers in run stop win rate this season, while Justin Strnad provides reliable coverage skills. The addition of Henley adds depth behind those two starters.
National media outlets assessed the financial and tactical value of the trade with mixed results. The Athletic and Bleacher Report both issued B+ grades. Daniel Popper of The Athletic noted that Henley is an explosive athlete who could serve as a pass rusher in head coach Joe Joseph's scheme. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report highlighted that Henley allows a 79 passer rating, a key metric given Denver's need for better middle-of-the-field coverage.
The Sporting News gave the trade a B grade. Vinnie Iyer wrote that Henley has had a down season against the pass but that the cost of a fourth-round pick was reasonable for the divisional rivals. CBS Sports has not yet assigned a grade. Carter Bahns noted that the Broncos expect to earn a compensatory pick for John Franklin-Myers' exit in free agency, which will help offset the cost of this deal.
ESPN offered the harshest assessment with a C+ grade. Ben Solak and Seth Walder argued that linebacker did not appear to be a major need for Denver. They noted that Henley ranks in the 46th percentile and allows 0.9 yards per coverage snap, which is average for the position. They described the draft capital given up as not trivial for a player who may only provide rotation depth.
The next major league event is the NFL trade deadline, which has already passed. The Broncos will look to utilize Henley in their upcoming postseason push. The 2027 fourth-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick will be reflected in the future draft orders.
