The Denver Broncos made waves on Tuesday by trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. Waddle, a dynamic four-year pro, has amassed 373 receptions for over 5,000 yards in his career.
This move fills a crucial gap for the Broncos, who have been on the hunt for a game-changing offensive weapon. But the acquisition didn’t come cheap; Denver had to part with multiple picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
So, what does this mean for the Broncos’ draft strategy? Let’s break it down.
Despite the trade, the Broncos still hold seven draft picks, though they’ll have to wait until the latter part of the second round to make their first selection. Here’s a look at their current draft capital:
- Round 2 (No. 62)
- Round 4 (No. 108)
- Round 4 (No. 111)
- Round 5 (No. 170)
- Round 7 (No. 246)
- Round 7 (No. 256)
- Round 7 (No. 257)
This isn’t the first time Denver has faced a similar situation. In both 2022 and 2023, they found themselves without a first-round pick but still managed to snag talents like edge rusher Nik Bonitto and wide receiver Marvin Mims, Jr. It’s a testament to the savvy of general manager George Paton, who, despite some challenges, has shown a knack for finding value in later rounds.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will need to be strategic with their selections to bolster their roster effectively. The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and all eyes will be on how Denver navigates their picks to complement their new star receiver.