{"id":862074,"date":"2026-04-09T05:03:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T05:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/862074\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T05:03:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T05:03:40","slug":"broncos-get-good-news-on-potential-trade-after-comments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/862074\/","title":{"rendered":"Broncos Get Good News on Potential Trade After Comments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"George\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Denver Broncos general manager George Paton looks on before a game between the Oregon Ducks and the Colorado Buffaloes.<\/p>\n

General manager George Paton<\/a> and the Denver Broncos<\/a> depleted their draft assets with their blockbuster trade for Jaylen Waddle<\/a>, but they sit in a noteworthy spot amid new rumors as the 2026 draft approaches.<\/p>\n

The Broncos still own seven picks in the cycle as of April 8.<\/p>\n

There could simultaneously be paths to more draft capital or a move consolidating picks in a move up for a preferred target.<\/p>\n

Broncos Could Capitalize on New Trade Rumor\"George<\/p>\n

GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton speaks to the media during the NFL<\/a> Scouting Combine.<\/p>\n

Paton and the Broncos\u2019 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<\/a> 20th overall and running back RJ Harvey<\/a> with the 60th overall pick.<\/p>\n

However, Fox Sports\u2019 Jordan Schultz reported on an expectation from multiple teams and sources that this will be \u201cone of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

Schultz highlighted cornerback, defensive end, linebacker, and wide receiver as targets.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral executives I\u2019ve spoken with believe we\u2019re likely to see a flurry of activity in the first half of Round 1,\u201d Schultz reported<\/a> on X on April 8. \u201cAdditionally, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting where the Broncos are, a move up and into the first round could prove too costly, barring a significant offer.<\/p>\n

The total value of their remaining picks is\u00a0 460.4 points, per DraftTek<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 30th overall pick, which they surrendered to the Miami Dolphins<\/a> 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<\/a>, is worth 590 points.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Broncos\u2019 George Paton Candid About Potential Draft Trade\"George<\/p>\n

GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton addresses the media.<\/p>\n

Paton did not shy away from the situation the Broncos are in, but noted that they remain flexible heading into the draft.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, we\u2019re 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\u2019t mean we won\u2019t trade up at some point. But we\u2019ll have a really good feel for the 62nd pick or whatever we\u2019re picking,\u201d Paton told reporters<\/a> at the owners meetings in March.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a pretty good feel of that realm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paton noted that the Broncos found outside linebacker Nik Bonitto<\/a> and wide receiver and fellow All-Pro Marvin Mims<\/a> in the same range as Harvey, who started down the stretch following J.K. Dobbins<\/a>\u2019 injury.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Denver also lacks a third-round selection<\/a> in this cycle.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Mr. Irrelevant.<\/p>\n

Paton and the Broncos have coveted that slot<\/a> before, so it will be interesting to see if they are willing to trade it.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJosh Buckhalter<\/a> covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Broncos\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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