Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has been wheeling and dealing on day two of the 2021 NFL Draft, striking a trade early on with the Atlanta Falcons to move up for running back Javonte Williams.
The selection of Williams was the Denver Broncos’ first of the day at pick 35 overall, but it will not be their last in all likelihood.
Barring another trade down by the time this post is published, Paton will have two selections to make by the end of the night, including the last pick of the third round overall.
Paton moved down from the 71st pick to the 76th pick with the New York Giants, acquiring the 164th pick to move down those five spots.
After that, the New Orleans Saints jumped up to the 76th pick for Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo and the Denver Broncos acquired picks 98 and 105 overall in exchange. Along with the trade made earlier on in the night for the 35th overall selection, the Denver Broncos’ updated 2021 NFL Draft hoard looks like this:
1. First round, 9th overall: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
2. Second round, 35th overall: Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
3a. Third round, 98th overall
3b. Third round, 105th overall
5a. Fifth round, 152nd overall
5b. Fifth round, 164th overall
6. Sixth round, 219th overall
7a. Seventh round, 237th overall
7b. Seventh round, 239th overall
7c. Seventh round, 253rd overall
The trading around for the Denver Broncos has not been the most popular among the fan base, but Paton stated prior to the 2021 NFL Draft and even shortly after he was hired that his preference is to collect picks and have more darts to throw at the board.
More darts, more chances of hitting a bullseye.
He’s now given himself 10 selections to work with after starting the draft with nine picks and then trading up in the second round.
Denver Broncos trade up for Javonte Williams in second round
The Denver Broncos traded up five spots in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft for North Carolina running back Javonte Williams.
This is tremendous work by a first-time general manager to get good value back in trades for his picks, target guys he wants to move up for, and bring in players who can contribute immediately.