The Broncos are in need of a quarterback, and with the possibility of four being selected in the top five, Denver may have to be proactive and trade up to secure one. At the recent NFL owners meeting, Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged the potential for moving up from their current 12th overall pick in the upcoming draft. Payton stated that while it’s difficult to predict the trade landscape, they are closely monitoring it.
Given their quarterback needs and the abundance of potential draftees at the position, Denver might have to adopt a different approach, possibly trading up. Payton’s previous experiences with trading up, particularly during his time with the Saints, indicate a willingness to make bold moves. While Denver’s general manager George Paton has typically leaned towards trading back, recent draft maneuvers, including last year’s trades, suggest a potential shift in strategy.
Paton mentioned that while it’s early, they have an understanding of which teams might be open to trading. If Denver becomes enamored with a specific quarterback prospect, it might necessitate stepping out of their comfort zone. However, trading up presents challenges for the Broncos, especially given their lack of a second-round pick.
Despite these obstacles, exploring scenarios where Denver trades up in the draft is not unreasonable. Using trade value charts and calculators, potential trade scenarios were examined. These scenarios include aggressive moves, such as trading multiple picks and players to secure a higher draft position, particularly targeting quarterbacks.
While history shows that not all aggressive moves for quarterbacks pay off, the Broncos might still pursue such avenues. Payton’s belief in finding the right quarterback and the team’s evaluation of potential candidates could drive them towards bold actions. Whether it’s through trading with other teams within or outside their division, Denver remains open to various possibilities to address their quarterback needs.