Advice to Payton & Paton on Day 2 – don’t pick a WR

TL;DR

The Denver Broncos are advised against selecting a wide receiver on Day 2 of the draft, favoring linebacker instead. With the recent addition of Jaylen Waddle, fans and analysts suggest focusing on defensive needs.

Key points

Broncos advised against selecting a wide receiver
Fans prefer linebacker as the focus for Day 2
Jaylen Waddle's addition influences draft strategy
Top linebacker prospects include Jacob Rodriguez and CJ Allen
Broncos lack depth at linebacker position

Denver BroncosMiami Dolphins

Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after making a catch for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images | Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images Finally the Broncos get to join the draft drama. Or at least the fun. After watching their AFC West rivals choose some of the best college players in the first round — none comparing to Denver’s trade for Jaylen Waddle instead of having a first-round selection — the Broncos will now get to add some young talent to the squad. And when the Broncos are on the clock tonight, a big chunk of fans hope the choice is not a wide receiver.

While 41% definitely don’t want a wide receiver, thanks most likely to the addition of Waddle, another 43% seem to understand George Paton’s tendency to add edge rushers and defensive backs. Honestly, I agree with the sentiment that you can never have too many of either position and I love choosing edge rushers because it’s such a sexy pick. But when looking at needs for this team, linebacker really seems like the best choice for a Day 2 pick given the lack of depth behind solid-but-aging starters and . Dane Brugler of *The Athletic* ranked five linebackers between 40 and 75 on his , including Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, CJ Allen of Georgia, Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas, Jake Golday of and Josiah Trotter out of Missouri. Rodriguez feels like a great choice for Denver as the Texas Tech starter for two-and-a-half years was considered the “quarterback of the Raiders defense,” a key intelligence piece we know Sean Payton would love. He also was known for his ball-hawking abilities, which would also be a great addition to a Broncos’ defense that lacked that dominating trait last season. Allen’s ability to process information earned him a starting spot for Georgia as a true freshman, and he had a career-best 3.5 sacks last season. Hill is known for the kind of side-to-side coverage that could make him a strong fit in Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme.

Q&A

Why should the Broncos avoid picking a wide receiver in the draft?

Fans believe the Broncos should avoid a wide receiver due to the recent acquisition of Jaylen Waddle and focus on other positional needs.

Which linebacker prospects are recommended for the Broncos in the draft?

Recommended linebacker prospects include Jacob Rodriguez, CJ Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., Jake Golday, and Josiah Trotter.

What are the current needs for the Broncos heading into Day 2 of the draft?

The Broncos need to address linebacker depth, particularly behind aging starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.