PHOENIX — George Paton isn’t done shaking up the AFC. Fresh off a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Waddle that stripped Denver of its first-round pick, the Broncos general manager told reporters Monday he is already plotting a way back up the board. Despite currently holding no picks in the first or third rounds, Paton made it clear that the No. 62 slot isn’t necessarily where Denver will start its weekend.
Chasing More “Explosive” Talent
The Broncos sent Pick 30, 94, and 130 to Miami to land Waddle, a move that gave Bo Nix the elite burner he lacked during last year’s 14-win run. That trade left the cupboard lean, but the ambition remains high. Paton emphasized that the team is hunting for a specific type of athlete to complement a roster that fell just short of the Super Bowl last season. The Phoenix heat at the NFL Annual Meeting matched the intensity of Paton’s vision for the offense.
Denver’s current capital includes seven picks, but only one falls within the top 100. To move into the late first or early second round, Paton would likely need to dip into 2027 assets. Scouts have been heavily linked to Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion and Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, both of whom fit the “explosive” profile the front office covets. Staying at 62 might be the safe play, but Paton’s track record suggests he prefers the home run over the single.
“It doesn’t mean we won’t trade up at some point. We were looking for something unique to come up [with Waddle], and that was unique to get a guy like him to fit and complement already a really strong group. You turn on the tape, and he’s one of the more explosive players in the NFL.”
— George Paton, Denver Broncos General Manager
Draft Strategy: The Path Back to Friday Night
Denver’s lack of a third-rounder makes a traditional move difficult. However, the Broncos could package their two fourth-round picks (108 and 111) with future capital to bridge the gap. Last year’s deep playoff run proved that this roster is in its prime. With Bo Nix entering his third season and still on a rookie deal, the window is wide open. Expect Paton to be active on the phones if a blue-chip defender or a vertical threat starts to slide into the 40s.
The 2026 class is heavy on defensive line depth, an area where Denver could use a long-term anchor. If the right player falls, don’t be surprised if Paton pulls the trigger early to ensure the Broncos don’t spend the first night of the draft as mere spectators. The goal is clear: provide Sean Payton with every possible weapon to finish the job they started last January.
