Broncos' Paton Hunts for Gems in Late Draft

0:00On March 24th, for the third time in general manager George Patton's six-year run with the Denver Broncos, the team heads into an NFL draft without a first-round pick. This time, it's the 2026 draft after they traded that selection to land-wide receiver, Jalen Waddle. Their earliest choice now sits at number 62 in the second round. Earlier trades set the stage for this pattern. In 2022 and 2023, Denver gave up first rounders to get quarterback Russell Wilson and coach Sean Payton. Back then, Patton's initial selections came at number 64 and 63, both turning into major wins. Fans in Denver are buzzing with cautious optimism, remembering how those past picks paid off big. Payton has a knack for finding gems late in the second round, and supporters hope he keeps that magic alive amid the team's aggressive roster moves. Take Nick Benito from 2022. The Oklahoma pass rusher exploded after a slow start, wrecking up 35 and a half sacks, 72 quarterback hits, and five forced fumbles.

1:04Over three seasons, he's earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in a second team all pro honor in 2024. Marvin Mims followed in 2023, delivering as a receiver and returner right away with Pro Bowl and all pro accolades as a rookie plus. Another Pro Bowl and first team all pro last year. Those successes have Bronkel's fans eyeing the upcoming draft, with real excitement for what Patton might uncover next.