George Paton, Denver Broncos
Getty
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton looks on before a game between the Oregon Ducks and the Colorado Buffaloes.
General manager George Paton and the Denver Broncos depleted their draft assets with their blockbuster trade for Jaylen Waddle, but they sit in a noteworthy spot amid new rumors as the 2026 draft approaches.
The Broncos still own seven picks in the cycle as of April 8.
There could simultaneously be paths to more draft capital or a move consolidating picks in a move up for a preferred target.
Broncos Could Capitalize on New Trade Rumor
George Paton, Denver Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Paton and the Broncos’ first pick of the 2026 draft is 60th overall, thanks to the trade for Waddle. They had made two selections by that point last offseason, taking defensive back Jahdae Barron 20th overall and running back RJ Harvey with the 60th overall pick.
However, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on an expectation from multiple teams and sources that this will be “one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory.”
Schultz highlighted cornerback, defensive end, linebacker, and wide receiver as targets.
“Several executives I’ve spoken with believe we’re likely to see a flurry of activity in the first half of Round 1,” Schultz reported on X on April 8. “Additionally, because this specific draft lacks depth in the later rounds, many teams plan to pursue extra Day 2 and early Day 3 picks, per league sources.”
Sitting where the Broncos are, a move up and into the first round could prove too costly, barring a significant offer.
The total value of their remaining picks is 460.4 points, per DraftTek.
The 30th overall pick, which they surrendered to the Miami Dolphins as the centerpiece in their trade for Waddle, was worth 620 points on its own. Pick No. 32, currently owned by the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, is worth 590 points.
However, even if that is out of reach, the Broncos could be in a prime spot to slide back a few slots if a team gets antsy towards the back end of the second round.
Broncos’ George Paton Candid About Potential Draft Trade
George Paton, Denver Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton addresses the media.
Paton did not shy away from the situation the Broncos are in, but noted that they remain flexible heading into the draft.
“Obviously, we’re focused on 30[th overall pick] in the second [round]. We, fortunately, have been there before; I think two different times. And so, we have a good feel for that, and we can hone in. Doesn’t mean we won’t trade up at some point. But we’ll have a really good feel for the 62nd pick or whatever we’re picking,” Paton told reporters at the owners meetings in March.
“We have a pretty good feel of that realm.”
Paton noted that the Broncos found outside linebacker Nik Bonitto and wide receiver and fellow All-Pro Marvin Mims in the same range as Harvey, who started down the stretch following J.K. Dobbins’ injury.
The Broncos have few, if any, true needs. A move up for a preferred target could make sense, even if such a move costs them future draft capital.
Denver also lacks a third-round selection in this cycle.
They only have one pick in the top-100 slots. They do have two fourth-round picks and three picks in the seventh round. Denver owns the final two selections, putting them on track to land this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.
Paton and the Broncos have coveted that slot before, so it will be interesting to see if they are willing to trade it.