The Denver Broncos hold the 20th overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, and team executives are confident that this position is just as valuable as owning the 10th pick. The Broncos believe that the draft’s strength lies in its depth, particularly towards the end of the first round and in the middle rounds, rather than in a few standout players at the top. This perspective shapes their approach as they prepare for the draft.
According to General Manager George Paton, the Broncos have assessed the talent pool and concluded that there are comparable players available at the 20th pick as there would be at the 10th. "We think there is going to be a similar player at 10 that will be there at 20 in our grades,” Paton explained. “We have more players in that area than we do at 1 through 10.” This strategy emphasizes the importance of working from their draft board and developing a tailored approach to maximize their selections.
Head Coach Sean Payton echoed Paton’s sentiments, reinforcing the idea that picking at No. 20 is advantageous. “We all have heard and read — depending on where you are at and what you need — there is a point where we feel like we can get a similar player at this portion of the first round that you may be able to get maybe seven picks up and you may be able to get seven picks into the second,” Payton stated. This highlights the Broncos’ commitment to evaluating players based on their specific needs and the overall depth of the draft.
The Broncos also possess their own selections in the second, third, and fourth rounds, which Paton views as advantageous. “We do think there is some strength in the middle rounds,” Paton noted, emphasizing the potential talent available in these rounds. This assessment suggests that the Broncos are preparing to maximize their value across multiple picks, not just in the first round.
With this strategy in mind, it appears that the Broncos are unlikely to pursue trading up in the first round or even on Day Two of the draft. The front office does not view this as a draft where moving up would justify the costs involved. Instead, they are focusing on capitalizing on their current picks to build a stronger team.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos are taking a strategic and confident approach to the 2025 NFL Draft, emphasizing depth over elite talent. With a focus on maximizing their 20th pick and leveraging their mid-round selections, the Broncos are poised to enhance their roster effectively in the upcoming draft.
