ENGLEWOOD, Colorado — The 2025 NFL Draft might not look exactly like previous ones.
However, it might also be just what the Broncos need.
When asked if the Broncos generally agree with the national view that there are fewer players than normal who deserve exceptional first-round grades, head coach Sean Payton responded in the affirmative.
However, Payton and George Paton, the general manager, think that the impact might be felt most prominently early in the draft. When the Broncos choose to select at number 20, they think the talent that will be available is appropriate for the selection and on par with players selected up to ten picks earlier.
“We think there is going to be a similar player at [No.] 10 that will be there at [No.] 20 in our grades,” Paton stated. “Compared to [No.] 1 through [No.] 10, we have more players in that area. You simply work your board and base your plan accordingly.”
Payton added: “If that’s the case, it’s fantastic to be picking [at] No. 20. We’ve all heard and read that, depending on your situation and needs, there comes a time when we believe we can find a player who is comparable at this stage of the first round, and you might be able to get seven picks up and seven picks into the second [round].”
In summary, the Broncos’ first pick is in the sweet spot of the draft, as Paton first stated at the Combine in late February.
Additionally, as the draft goes on, the Broncos may discover additional reliable acquisitions in Day 2 and the first few days of Day 3.
“We do think there is some strength in the middle rounds,” Paton stated, “maybe [the] second, third and fourth [rounds].”
The Broncos will consider a variety of criteria when adding players to their roster, such as whether a player can contribute right away or needs time to grow. The Broncos might have the luxury of accounting for a player’s potential future growth after addressing needs in free agency.
Paton stated, “We just had a conversation about this,” “We discussed various inside [defensive] lineman, and one of them is prepared to play. He should be ready to play next year, in our opinion. Then there’s another one, whom you might approach. It’s crucial, in my opinion, to walk around the room and ask the scouts and assistant coaches, “What is the vision for this player [in] Year 1, Year 2, and beyond?” You have a lot of conversations like that. After that, you delve into these players’ mentalities and composition. Since they are unpolished, do they have the makeup necessary to proceed? [Do they] possess the work ethic necessary to advance? You examine each of these, look at the analytics, and they assist you in breaking a cluster or a tie. That is the method we use.
Payton added: “I believe we’re concentrating on important roles. Joining our team will be more difficult for some people than for others. Putting ourselves in a position to truly consider — once more, three years out — how we like this player is one of the things we did well in free agency.”
Paton stated that he feels “the most prepared” he’s ever been for a draft as the evaluation draws to a close because of the leadership consistency and the selection procedure.
Paton declared, “It’s valuable,” It is now in the third draft. We’ve experienced two seasons, three years of free agency, and everything in between. Our goals for this team’s development are in agreement. Both of us have a distinct idea of the players and individuals we hope to attract to that structure.
