The Denver Broncos secured impressive value in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to head coach Sean Payton. Payton, known for his strategic acumen, disclosed that the Broncos managed to draft several players much later than their internal grades suggested.
Strategic Draft Picks
Every year, teams boast about getting “their guys” in the draft, but it’s rare for a head coach to openly discuss the specific grades the team had on players. Sean Payton did just that, highlighting the Broncos’ strategic success. With a need for both immediate impact players and future building blocks due to limited draft capital from the Russell Wilson trade, Payton believes the Broncos hit the mark.
Payton’s Evaluation
“You try not to be an instant evaluator, but I would say that I was encouraged. I was encouraged after the draft because with each of these selections—and it doesn’t always fall this way—but after [QB] Bo [Nix], we are then in the third round taking a player [OLB Jonah] Elliss, who we had a second-round grade on. Then we get to the fourth round, and we have a second-round grade on [WR] Troy [Franklin]. The fifth round, we have two third-round grades on the runner [RB Audric] Estime and [CB Kris] Abrams-Draine and so on, even to our seventh rounders,” Payton explained.
High-Value Selections
Payton’s remarks aren’t the first time he’s mentioned high grades for players like Jonah Elliss and Troy Franklin. The Broncos considered taking Franklin with the 76th overall pick but couldn’t pass up Elliss’s value. As Franklin fell to day three, Payton reportedly urged GM George Paton to move up for the former Oregon receiver. Payton’s excitement about these picks underscores the value the Broncos see in their selections.
Surprising Insights
This draft also revealed some surprises, like third-round grades on Audric Estimé and Kris Abrams-Draine, insights previously undisclosed by the Broncos. Analysts had also rated these players highly, but knowing the Broncos’ internal assessments adds weight to their potential impact.
Managing Expectations
Despite GM George Paton’s earlier comments about the draft’s lack of depth, the Broncos managed to land players they had rated highly at every juncture. This fortunate turn of events sets high expectations for the rookie class, as Payton’s confidence in their draft selections has added pressure for them to perform.
The Denver Broncos’ 2024 draft strategy, as revealed by Sean Payton, demonstrates a calculated approach that yielded high-value players throughout the draft. With a mix of immediate contributors and future stars, the Broncos are poised for a promising season and beyond. As the new talent takes the field, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Payton’s optimism translates into on-field success.
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