For the first time in three years, the Denver Broncos will hold a first-round pick in the NFL draft this spring.
After going 8-9 in 2023, the Broncos are set to select 12th overall in April’s draft. The last time Denver had a first-round pick, general manager George Paton used it to select cornerback Pat Surtain ninth overall in 2021.
“It’s important to hit on most of your picks, especially when you’re picking that high,” Paton said during his end-of-season press conference last week. “We haven’t had a first-round pick since 2021, and that one worked out pretty well. We’re excited, but we don’t want to have to pick up here again. We’re excited to be picking there.”
The last time the Broncos held the 12th overall pick, they landed running back Knowshon Moreno in 2009. One year earlier, Denver picked left tackle Ryan Clady 12th overall.
The Broncos are currently over the salary cap and Paton has already said the team won’t be active in the early stages of free agency. Not being able to make big moves in free agency makes it even more important for Denver to hit on its draft picks this spring.
Paton hinted that the team could acquire more selections through trades.
“We’re picking high, and we have six picks,” the GM said. “We could have more. You know we like picks. We’ll go from there.”
The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.
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