Denver Broncos introduce GM George Paton
3. More darts in the NFL Draft
It is hardly coach-speak for George Paton to say his top philosophy has been to build and develop through the NFL Draft.
While the Minnesota Vikings certainly made their share of trades and free agent acquisitions in the last 14 years while Paton was working side-by-side with Rick Spielman, they heavily emphasized building through the NFL Draft.
Vikings total draft selections since 2015
2020: 15
2019: 12
2018: 8
2017: 11
2016: 8
2015: 10
If you go back even further, it’s clear that Paton’s desire to build through the NFL Draft first and foremost is his true intent.
In his press conference, Paton talked about draft picks being like darts.
"The more picks, the more darts, the better your chances of hitting a bullseye. George Paton (via Broncos Zoom conference)"
Does this mean the Broncos are guaranteed to move down from the 9th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft?
Not necessarily.
The Broncos have nine selections overall in this class, but with the way new general managers like to put their stamp on teams and the fact that Paton was very complimentary of the way the Broncos have drafted over the past couple of years, he might want to accumulate more picks and throw as many darts as possible in his first draft with the team.
Unless the Broncos identify a can’t-miss player at number nine overall, the odds seem pretty strong that the team would look to trade down and rack up capital.