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Grading George Paton’s first year as Broncos GM

By Travis Wakeman

Oct 31, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Ja'Wuan James
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 16: Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James #72 of the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium during a preseason game on August 16, 2014, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /

Broncos summertime/Training camp

In my opinion, Ja’Wuan James is the worst free-agent signing in team history.

During the offseason in May, the Broncos were given the news that James tore his Achilles tendon while doing some personal training. A little over one week later, the Broncos made the decision to part ways with the oft-injured offensive tackle.

Paton did a good job filling his spot, given the circumstances, by signing both Bobby Massie and Cameron Fleming to compete for the job. Massie would win that battle and become the team’s starting right tackle.

Paton also added a third tight end in veteran Eric Saubert and he filled in nicely when his number was called during the season.

Training camp ran smoothly for the team as Paton and his staff evaluated the roster. None of the undrafted free agents signed by the team made a serious impact but linebacker Andre Mintze showed enough to be kept around.

Paton was forced to clean up a mess he didn’t make with James, but he did a good job with what he had to work with.

His grade in getting the team prepared for the season through the summer reflects that of a general manager who was on top of things and looking to get the most competitive team on the field that he possibly could.

Grade: B+

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