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The Denver Broncos made a big move to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, trading a first and third-round pick. With their first selection now coming at pick No. 62 in the second round, Broncos GM George Paton has hinted that the team could look to trade up in the draft to target a specific player they have their eyes on.
Why it matters
The Broncos are looking to build on their strong 2025 season and make a Super Bowl push in 2026. Acquiring Waddle gives them a top receiving threat, but they may still need to address other roster needs through the draft. A trade-up could allow them to land an impact player they covet, but they’ll have to weigh the cost of such a move.
The details
After trading their first-round pick to the Dolphins for Waddle, the Broncos’ first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft is now pick No. 62 in the second round. Paton said the team is ‘focused on’ that pick, noting their past success finding contributors at that range, like Nik Bonitto in 2022 and Marlon Mims in 2023. However, Paton also said ‘Doesn’t mean we won’t trade up at some point,’ suggesting the Broncos could look to be aggressive and move up the board on draft night.
The Broncos traded a first and third-round pick to the Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle in March 2026.The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April/May 2026.
The players
George Paton
The general manager of the Denver Broncos, who hinted at a possible draft-night trade to move up from the team’s second-round pick at No. 62.
The wide receiver acquired by the Broncos from the Miami Dolphins in a trade, giving Denver a top receiving threat for quarterback Bo Nix.
Bo Nix
The Broncos’ starting quarterback, who will now have an improved receiving corps with the addition of Jaylen Waddle.
Nik Bonitto
A player the Broncos drafted in the second round (No. 64 overall) in 2022, an example of their success finding contributors in that draft range.
Marlon Mims
A player the Broncos drafted in the second round (No. 63 overall) in 2023, another example of their success finding talent in the second round.
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What they’re saying
“Doesn’t mean we won’t trade up at some point.”
— George Paton, General Manager, Denver Broncos
What’s next
The Broncos will continue to evaluate their draft board and options as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. If they identify a player they covet who may be available in the 50s, they could look to trade up from pick No. 62 to land that prospect.
The takeaway
The Broncos’ aggressive move to acquire Jaylen Waddle shows their win-now mentality, and a potential trade-up in the draft could further bolster their roster as they aim to make a Super Bowl push in 2026. However, they’ll have to weigh the cost of such a move to ensure they don’t overpay to move up the board.