The Denver Broncos are preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft without a first-round selection after trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, according to an April 16 announcement from the team. Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton said they are approaching this familiar scenario with high expectations as they look to add talent to their roster.
Paton said the absence of a first-round pick has not changed their approach or anticipation level. “Our expectations are the same – they’re high,” Paton said Thursday. “We think there are good players in this draft. We think there are good players where we’re picking at [No.] 62.” Payton added, “The preparation is trying to properly grade each player that’s in the draft. Certainly, there are some obvious ones, but nonetheless, you’re trying to do that. … Then certainly later in the process, you obviously address where you’re selecting. … I don’t know that [the situation] changes any, relative to the preparation for the draft.”
As they prepare for their second-round selection at No. 62 overall, Paton emphasized focusing on finding top talent regardless of position needs while also building on existing strengths within the team: “We’re always going to take the best player available, within reason,” he said. “… You always want to build on a strength. I think we’ve done that since we arrived, and it has worked.” The Broncos have found success with second-round picks during Paton’s tenure—including Nik Bonitto, Marvin Mims Jr., and RJ Harvey—who were all selected between No. 60 and No. 64 overall.
Payton described how vision plays a role in evaluating prospects: “A lot of it is the last line [of the scouting report], [which] is vision,” he said about projecting players’ roles within Denver’s roster over time.
Paton noted that sometimes these selections require patience as high-trait players develop into contributors: “It’s ideal if someone comes in and contributes right away; however, our current roster makes it tough for new arrivals to start Day 1.” He added confidence in their established process: “Our process has worked, and it continues to evolve… We’ve done well in that realm [late in the second round]. It doesn’t mean anything—we still go through our process.”
Looking ahead at potential moves during draft weekend, Paton shared flexibility remains with seven total picks across rounds two through seven but called moving into round one “unlikely.” He did not rule out moving up within round two if an opportunity arises.
With just one week before selections begin, Payton stressed ongoing diligence: “If the draft were in three weeks we’d still be watching more tape up until that process just to make sure we got it right.”
Paton concluded by reflecting on past experience guiding current preparations: “It’s very similar to what we have done… Going through every possible scenario so on draft day you aren’t surprised.”
