George Paton discusses possibility of Broncos making trade during NFL draft

TL;DR

Denver Broncos GM George Paton discussed the team's draft strategy, indicating that while trading back into the first round is unlikely due to high costs, moving up in the second round remains a possibility. The Broncos hold the 62nd overall pick and have seven total picks in the draft.

Key points

Broncos' first pick is No. 62 overall in the second round.
Original first-round pick was traded to the Dolphins.
Paton indicated trading into the first round is unlikely.
Broncos have seven total picks in the draft.
Paton has been active in draft-day trades.

Jaylen WaddleDenver BroncosMiami Dolphins

Going into the 2026 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos' first pick is scheduled to be No. 62 overall in the second round. The club's original first-round pick was shipped off to the Miami Dolphins last month as part of the Jaylen Waddle trade.

During his pre-draft conference call with reporters on Thursday, Broncos general manager George Paton was asked about the possibility of trading back into the first round.

“You never say never, but it’s unlikely," Paton said. "It would cost quite a haul for us to get up there. Most of our draft we would have to trade and then something next year. I would say that it’s unlikely, but we could certainly move up in the second [round].”

Paton has been active with draft-day trades throughout his tenure as Denver's GM, and he hasn't ruled out moving up (or down) next week — but getting all the way into the first round would likely be too costly. Paton also noted that with seven total picks, the Broncos do have flexibility to "move up or move back and get more picks."

The 2026 NFL draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

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Q&A

What is the Denver Broncos' first pick in the 2026 NFL draft?

The Denver Broncos' first pick in the 2026 NFL draft is scheduled to be No. 62 overall in the second round.

Why did the Broncos lose their original first-round pick for the 2026 NFL draft?

The Broncos lost their original first-round pick as part of the trade for Jaylen Waddle with the Miami Dolphins.

Is it likely that the Broncos will trade up into the first round during the draft?

George Paton stated that trading up into the first round is unlikely due to the high cost involved, but moving up in the second round is a possibility.