Sean Payton has never traded down in the first round during his time as a head coach, but the Broncos have an interesting opportunity to do so tonight. As quarterback-needy teams circle — regarding a class not deemed to have a second passer worthy of a top-10 pick — Denver’s No. 20 overall draft slot represents a pivotal point.
The Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick, and their lack of clarity on Aaron Rodgers certainly creates a perception a QB selection would be on tap. Pittsburgh is believed to want to make its long-term QB pick either this year or next, but with Rodgers not giving the team an indication of his plans — despite an offer being on the table for six weeks — the AFC North club is in a bind as the draft nears.
Although reports earlier this week pegged the Broncos as interested in trading up, ESPN’s Adam Schefter now notes the team is taking calls about moving down from 20. The Broncos could be the spot where the first non-Cam Ward QB strike — in what appears a fascinating trade derby — could be made.
The idea of Denver accumulating more draft capital is interesting, as the team has been light on high-value picks in recent years. It took two first-round picks and two seconds (along with four other assets) for the Broncos to pry Russell Wilson from the Seahawks. A year later, the team sent first- and third-round picks to the Saints for a second and Payton’s rights. While the Von Miller and Bradley Chubb trades armed the Broncos in that span, both assets acquired in those swaps went to securing Wilson and Payton. The team has not made first- and second-round picks in the same draft since 2021.
A Wednesday report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini indicated the Broncos were high on this year’s running back class — just maybe not to the point a first-round pick was necessary. Denver has been regularly tied to North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton in mock drafts, but the team also could address its need for more Courtland Sutton supporting-casters — especially with the No. 1 receiver set to turn 30 this year. Denver moving down from 20 would run the risk of missing out on Hampton or a quality wide receiver prospect, but other RBs and wideouts would await in a draft higher on depth than blue-chip talent.
The Browns, Giants and Saints could have interest in leapfrogging the Steelers for a passer; Payton obviously has a good line into the Saints, having worked with Mickey Loomis for 16 years. The Rams and Dolphins have also been connected to QBs, though Miami is more likely to add one in the middle rounds. Options could be there for the Broncos, who may have a chance to add more Day 2 draft capital by sliding down the board tonight.