Broncos' Paton & Payton Draft Strategy: 7 Picks, Endless Possibilities

0:00It's April 9th. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where the lead meets AI. I'm Cory with the story. The Denver Broncos are no strangers to Draft A Chaos, especially under head coach Sean Payton and GM George Payton. Last year in the 2025 draft, they pulled off four trades on days two and three, swapping 20 picks with five teams to slide back in. The second round and jump up later. That netted them running back RJ Harvey, defensive end Sivion Jones, and linebacker Kay Robinson. Three out of four targets they wanted. Since Payton and Patton teamed up in 2023, they've made nine trades across three drafts, moving 34 picks total. They've grabbed vets like Titan Adam Trapman, and used future picks to snag corner Riley Moss. Now heading into the 2026 draft in two weeks, they're short on ammo after trading for wide out Jalen Waddle with just seven picks. Starting at number 62 in the second round, fans are buzzing because this duo always gets creative, turning limited capital into roster upgrades.

1:04The trades help fill key spots like the trenches, where Denver needs beef up front on both lines. It's paid off before, building depth without burning early picks, and keeps the Broncos competitive in a tough AFC West. Looking at scenarios, they might pack as their second and some force to climb into the early 50s for a top guard like a manual pregnant, or linebacker like Jacob Rodriguez, or trade back from 62 into the third round, say with New Orleans, for a tight end prospect like Eli Stowers, grabbing extra picks along the way. Lay forth could add another running back dart like Navy's Eli Hydenreich. Expect the phones to light up come draft night as Peyton works his magic to turn those seven picks into targeted hits that shore up the lines and backfield. This is how Denver builds on the fly, staying ahead of the curve.