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Sean Payton loves 'best player available' approach for NFL draft
TL;DR
Sean Payton emphasizes a 'best player available' strategy for the NFL draft, allowing the Denver Broncos to focus on filling roster needs through free agency first. This approach aims to enhance the team's overall talent by prioritizing skill over positional requirements during the draft.
Each offseason, the Denver Broncos compile a list of three categories of needs.
Speaking at the NFL's annual league meeting last month, Broncos coach Sean Payton said the team ranks musts, needs and wants each year. Denver then looks ahead to what's available in the NFL draft before forming a plan for free agency.
"Then [we] begin to look at, ‘Where is the best way to address this must? In the draft or in free agency?’" Payton said.
After the bulk of free agency, the Broncos return to their draft board. In an ideal world, Denver will already have the biggest roster needs filled before the draft, allowing them to select the best player available at each pick instead of reaching for position needs.
"And look, we never get to live in a perfect world, but you’d always love to be drafting the best player," Payton said. "Sometimes — there are a lot of times where that can happen."
Following the Jaylen Waddle trade last month, Denver holds seven picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL draft: Sean Payton loves 'best player available' approach
Q&A
What is Sean Payton's strategy for the NFL draft with the Denver Broncos?
Sean Payton advocates for a 'best player available' approach, allowing the team to select top talent rather than focusing solely on positional needs.
How does the Denver Broncos' draft preparation process work?
The Broncos categorize their needs into musts, needs, and wants, then evaluate their roster after free agency to determine the best draft strategy.
What are the benefits of the 'best player available' approach in the NFL draft?
This strategy enables teams to enhance overall talent and avoid making desperate picks based on immediate positional needs, leading to a stronger roster.
