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Three best moves of George Paton era as Denver Broncos GM

By Lou Scataglia

Jan 28, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos GM George Paton shakes hand with Nathaniel Hackett after announcing him as the club’s head coach at a press conference at UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos GM George Paton shakes hand with Nathaniel Hackett after announcing him as the club’s head coach at a press conference at UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports /
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The George Paton era began about 15 months ago. What have been his three best moves in his short time as the Broncos GM so far?

On January 12th, 2021, the Denver Broncos franchise changed in ways none of us could have predicted.  Longtime Vikings front office executive George Paton was hired as the new General Manager of the Denver Broncos, succeeding John Elway after a successful 10 year run himself.

In just one year, George Paton has completely changed the direction of the Denver Broncos franchise.  He’s made a plethora of incredibly smart moves to set the franchise up to be competitive for the future.

Even though he’s just a little over a year into his tenure in Denver, he’s essentially already ensured long-term success for his team for the foreseeable future.

Not only has he done this, but he’s also done it in different ways.  He’s made incredible trades, used free agency wisely, and shown a strong ability to draft players.

He’s used every avenue possible to improve the team, and it’s beginning to show on paper just how good the Denver Broncos will be in 2022 and beyond.

Trying to pick his three best moves so far has proved to be a challenge, but let’s dive into the three best moves of the George Paton era thus far.

Denver Broncos, Patrick Surtain II
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Patrick Surtain II poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected ninth by the Denver Broncos during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Three best moves of the George Paton era so far with the Denver Broncos

3. Taking Patrick Surtain II over Justin Fields

I have made it known within my football circle that I think Justin Fields is not good.  He could very well turn into an elite signal-caller, but as of now, I couldn’t be more low on the player.

I remember watching the 2021 NFL Draft as the Broncos’ pick slowly crept up.  When I realized Justin Fields was still on the board, I was sure the Broncos would take him.

I was shocked, to say the least, that Patrick Surtain II was the pick instead.

While picking a cornerback over a potential franchise quarterback is usually not smart, I think Paton made the right decision here.

Surtain, who is set to enter his age-22 season, cemented himself as a legitimate CB1 in his first year in Denver.  Playing alongside an elite secondary, Surtain grabbed four interceptions, tied for sixth-most in the NFL, and also had a pick-6.

He was very solid in coverage and proved to be Denver’s best corner.

Moreover, the AFC West is filled with elite passing offenses and elite pass catchers.  The Denver Broncos having the best cornerback in the AFC West allows them to counter those high-powered offenses with a cornerback who has shutdown ability.

By all accounts, Patrick Surtain II is on pace to easily earn a Pro Bowl nod in year two and allows the Denver Broncos to keep their tradition alive of having elite secondary play.

I also think Fields over Surtain would have made it less likely that they would have been able to acquire Russell Wilson in the trade.

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